NHL Tied to $400M Lawsuit That'll Affect Many NHL organizations

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Skyler Walker
September 22, 2023 (2:44 PM)

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BioSteel, a company co-founded by Michael Cammalleri and John Celenza in 2009, boasts NHL star Connor McDavid as its face. However, recent revelations have exposed financial troubles for the brand.

A Financial Struggle

Despite its significant spending of $15 million per month, BioSteel only managed to generate $24 million in revenue over a three-month period. Such financial imbalances cast doubts on the company's business approach.

Court documents now reveal that BioSteel is facing a substantial debt of $400 million owed to various entities and athletes across North America. Notably, the NHL is among the impacted parties, with the league losing $8.7 million in this ongoing lawsuit over unpaid funds.

Wide-ranging Impact

While BioSteel enjoyed support from athletes, sponsors, and marketing partnerships, it also incurred substantial expenses. A total of $68 million went into sales and marketing, with an equal amount invested in promotion initiatives.

The company's financial challenges have led to a diverse set of creditors, including the NHL's Carolina Hurricanes, owed over $95,000, and the U.S. Soccer Federation, owed more than $675,000. Additionally, BioSteel has a $12-million payment due to the NHL for sponsorship, an amount it has no intention of paying.

The brand also owes significant sums to NBA teams like the Philadelphia 76ers, Brooklyn Nets, Miami Heat, and Los Angeles Lakers. It remains uncertain whether professional athletes are listed as creditors, as the current list is preliminary.

Notably, Mike Cammalleri, an ex-NHL player and co-founder of the company, is owed $12,000, while the wife of former NHLer Brian McGrattan is owed over $1,300. This financial challenge underscores the complexities BioSteel faces as it navigates a challenging period in its history.