Parents Sue Black Bear Sports Over Youth Hockey Hotel Tactics
The suit seeks at least $5 million in damages.
Parents of youth hockey players have filed a proposed class action lawsuit against Black Bear Sports Group, alleging the company forces families to use specific hotels for tournaments, charges undisclosed fees, and collects kickbacks from hotel partners. Filed in Delaware federal court on September 1, the lawsuit targets the company following a previous report highlighting its practices.
The "Let Kids Play Act" legislation, proposed in May by Democratic lawmakers, aims to ban private-equity investors from youth sports businesses. According to the lawsuit, Black Bear employs a "Stay to Play" policy, coercing parents into booking hotel reservations through a specific platform, which allegedly requires a buyout fee.
The company denies these claims, stating that the policies are standard in youth hockey and benefit players. If successful, the lawsuit could involve tens of thousands, if not millions, of class members with potential damages exceeding $5 million.
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