What a New Big-Money 3-on-3 League Would Mean for Pro Hockey and the NHL

What is going on with rumors a new 3-on-3 league might be in the works?

According to mixed reports from SDPN’s Steve Dangle, a new professional hockey league, Major League Hockey (MLH), is poised to debut in North America this fall. There’s some confusion about elements of Dangle’s original report that the league is set to debut in 2024 and could have 16 teams with a salary cap of $30 million per team. He gave a few other specifics, but then posted a retraction saying he was contacted by several people about elements of his initial report containing questionable information.

He wrote:

“Yesterday, I posted a video reporting on a new 3-on-3 hockey league in North America. Today, I have received several concerning reports that raised doubts about several of the facts contained in the report and have decided to delete the report on all platforms.”

Among the rumors linked to this story is that the league is backed by serious money, perhaps from Saudi Arabia. In other words, there is talk this is hockey’s equivalent to LIV Golf, which when that league started, ruffled the sport of golf in a major way and the introduction of LIV is still being felt.

What Would Hockey’s Version of LIV Look Like?

Reports now suggest Major League Hockey is trying to hire some key names and influential people for a big-money pro league. Hockey agent Allan Walsh, posted on X/Twitter on Thursday: "This is going to surprise a lot of people with its popularity and ability to generate revenue. I'm hearing this venture has significant financial backing."

But there are red flags all over this….