PHOENIX (AP) -A judge is zeroing in on a relocation fee the NHL could charge a Canadian billionaire for moving the Phoenix Coyotes to southern Ontario.
Judge Redfield Baum noted during Tuesday’s hearing in U.S. Bankruptcy Court that if the fee is significant, billionaire Jim Balsillie could decide it is too high and withdraw his bid to buy the team. That would resolve the case for now and prevent the judge from ruling on other matters that could set a precedent in professional sports.
The NHL could then proceed with its plan to sell the money-losing team to a new owner who would keep it in Arizona.
The judge also said it was significant the NHL offered to fund the team next season while ownership issues are worked out.
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