The NHL lockout could cost the league its deal with US broadcaster ESPN.
The Los Angeles Times reported that the cable TV network will decline to take up its $60m option for next season.
The NHL lost the whole 2004-05 campaign to a labour dispute, with team owners locking out players last September, and no progress made in subsequent talks.
Rumours are now circulating that the league could lose major sponsors if a new collective bargaining agreement is not reached ahead of next season.
The LA Times, citing a source close to the situation, said that an official announcement could come from ESPN on Tuesday.
Despite the move, the paper said ESPN could still negotiate a new contract with the league for less money.
The cable network began screening NHL games in 1979 through to 1988 when Sportschannel took over.
ESPN regained the cable broadcast rights again in 1992.
ABC's contract with the league expired after the 2003-04 season and the NHL negotiated a new US broadcast deal with NBC last May.
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