NY judge rejects MLB's and NHL's attempt to squelch fan suit over alleged broadcast monopoly

A judge in New York says a small group of fans suing Major League Baseball and the National Hockey League to stop their strict control over television broadcast rights can try to prove their claims at trial.

Federal Judge Shira Scheindlin issued her written ruling Friday.

She said a trial would help show whether the leagues were accurate in claiming the restrictions are good for the sports and their fans.

The lawsuit claims that the leagues' clubs and some television broadcast entities collude to eliminate competition in the showing of games on the Internet and television.

The fans seek a court declaration that the defendants engage in antitrust behavior and appropriate remedies, including unspecified damages.

Messages left with lawyers seeking comment were not immediately returned.