NHL threatens NY Rangers ownership in countersuit

NEW YORK, June 19 (Reuters) - The National Hockey League could force Cablevision Systems Corp (CVC.N) to sell the New York Rangers if a judge decides it had no right to file an anti-trust lawsuit against the league.

The NHL on Thursday filed a countersuit against Madison Square Garden LP (MSG), which included a letter from NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman outlining disciplinary action the league could take against the Rangers' ownership.

MSG, which is owned by Cablevision, owns the Rangers and their home arena.

MSG sued the league seeking to gain control of the team's website and other promotions in violation of NHL rules, arguing that the league bylaws violate U.S. anti-trust regulations.

The league argued in its countersuit that MSG had no right to take legal action against it.

"When MSG was accepted as a member in the league it agreed to abide by the NHL Constitution and related rules, policies and resolutions," the commissioner's letter filed in court papers in U.S. District Court in Manhattan.

"In seeking a judicial declaration that several league rules and practices are unlawful under antitrust laws, MSG has materially breached those covenants," the countersuit said.

The countersuit argued that the Rangers are part of a joint venture along with the 29 other NHL teams and that as such it could not exist or operate as a separate entity.

"The NHL shouldn't be afraid of the judicial system," MSG spokesman Barry Watkins said in a statement, adding that MSG would not be intimidated by the league's bullying tactics.

The NHL said its board of governors, made up of team owners, could impose sanctions against MSG, including suspension or removal of current ownership. (Reporting by Bill Berkrot, editing by Leslie Gevirtz)