Czech Extraliga clubs accuse Petr Dědek of undermining league rights

Czech Extraliga clubs and the Association of Professional Ice Hockey Clubs (APK LH) have accused Petr Dědek, owner of Dynamo Pardubice, of damaging the reputation of the league. The conflict stems from a proposal by Dědek’s company, Relmost, to purchase the complete package of marketing rights for the league starting from the 2032/33 season.

This proposal contradicts a decision made by 13 of the 14 Extraliga clubs in August, which established that marketing rights would be sold in individual packages to ensure clubs maintain control over their own product. Relmost’s offer seeks to concentrate marketing rights and league management within the hockey association, a move the APK LH claims undermines the current governance model where clubs manage the league until 2032.

Dědek’s offer reportedly includes a guarantee of approximately 500 million CZK annually for 15 years, with 100 million CZK designated as bonuses. His proposal also includes structural changes, such as abolishing the relegation playoffs and allowing foreign teams into the league. The APK LH board has been authorized to prepare further disciplinary or legal actions against Dynamo Pardubice in accordance with the association’s statutes.