Report: Red Wings owe millions in unpaid taxes

The Detroit Red Wings owe millions of dollars in unpaid taxes according to a report in the Detroit News. The report states that the Red Wings agreed to pay 25% of their cable TV rights to the city of Detroit. It goes on to say that the Wings have not paid a penny of this money owed since the deal was brokered in 1980.

A rough estimate in the report suggests that the Red Wings may owe up to $70M but others have projected the number to be much lower.

"The Ilitches are a multibillion-dollar operation, and they are inside a city that is sinking," said City Councilman Kwame Kenyatta. "(Mike Ilitch), I am sure, knows about this and should be forthcoming to help the city. Help us by writing a check, not by negotiating a new lease."