The NHL announced an eight-year, $1.3 billion media rights deal on Tuesday, partnering with major streaming platforms to deliver games to fans across the country in the largest broadcast agreement in league history.
The deal represents a significant shift from traditional television, with streaming platforms receiving the majority of regular-season game rights. The agreement includes approximately 400 games per season, including conference finals and the Stanley Cup Finals.
"This deal positions the NHL for long-term growth and ensures our fans can access games on the platforms they prefer," said NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. "The value reflects the growing appetite for premium sports content in the streaming era."
The agreement triples the league's current media revenue, providing significant increases to team revenue sharing and player salaries. Individual team values are expected to increase substantially as a result of the new revenue stream.
Regional sports networks that have traditionally carried NHL games will continue to broadcast local games, though the number of nationally televised games will shift primarily to streaming platforms. Some games will be available on both traditional and streaming platforms.
Fan reaction has been mixed, with some celebrating the expanded access and others expressing concern about potential price increases and fragmentation of viewing options. The league has committed to maintaining broad accessibility.