NHL Obtains Successful Verdict in Phoenix Coyotes Case

Taylor Ashworth and Alan Meda served as co-counsel to the National Hockey League in the ownership battle for the Phoenix Coyotes

Stinson Morrison Hecker LLP represented the National Hockey League (NHL) in U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Arizona regarding the Phoenix Coyotes' Chapter 11 case. The NHL recently received a favorable decision rejecting a proposed sale of the Coyotes franchise, preventing the team from leaving Phoenix. Stinson attorneys Taylor Ashworth and Alan Meda of the Phoenix office represented the NHL as co-counsel with lawyers from the New York, Delaware and Los Angeles offices of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP.

On September 30, Judge Redfield T. Baum dismissed the proposed sale to Canadian bidder Jim Balsillie, who planned to move the team to Ontario. The court rejected the bid, affirming the NHL has the power to determine who owns its clubs and where teams are located. While a proposed sale to the NHL also was rejected, the court has allowed the league to amend its bid by providing further financial details of its $140 million proposal for the team.

“This has been an intricate bankruptcy case with many stakeholders involved,” Ashworth said. “The National Hockey League and City of Glendale are invested in the success of the Coyotes franchise and we are glad this decision gives them both a better chance to keep the team in this area."

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Stinson Morrison Hecker LLP is one of the country’s largest law firms with more than 330 attorneys representing clients nationwide in a full range of corporate, transaction and litigation matters. With attorneys in eight offices throughout five states, the firm has experience in more than 45 industry-focused areas. Office locations include Kansas City, St. Louis and Jefferson City, Mo.; Overland Park and Wichita, Kan.; Omaha, Neb.; Phoenix, Ariz.; and Washington, D.C.