NHL Extends Partnership with Rogers Communications for Broadcasting Rights in Canada
The National Hockey League (NHL) has solidified its broadcasting future in Canada by renewing its partnership with Rogers Communications. This new agreement, valued at an impressive CAN$11 billion (approximately US$7.7 billion), extends the deal for another 12 years, leading up to the 2037-38 season.
History of the Deal
The relationship between the NHL and Rogers began with a seminal contract in 2013 that was worth $4.94 billion. This initial 12-year agreement granted Rogers exclusive English-language broadcasting rights across all platforms in Canada. The most recent deal, announced on Wednesday, builds upon this foundation and is set to take effect in the 2026-27 season when the existing contract concludes.
Statements from NHL Leadership
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “For more than a decade, Rogers has done an incredible job of conveying what NHL hockey means to fans and communities from coast to coast.” This sentiment underscores the importance of equitable media representations in promoting the sport throughout Canada.
Details of the New Agreement
The renewed contract incorporates several important components:
- All national television, digital, and streaming rights for regular season games
- Broadcasting rights for all Stanley Cup Final playoff games
- Inclusion of special NHL events and out-of-market rights for regional games
Rogers retains the valuable option to sub-license game rights to balance the financial demands of the agreement, which may attract potential partners. Among these, Amazon has begun streaming NHL games in Canada through Prime Video, adding an innovative layer to the viewing experience.
Implications for Canadian Sports Broadcasting
This updated media rights agreement marks a significant moment in Canadian sports broadcasting, allowing a single broadcaster to manage the national rights for a major American sports league over an extended timeframe. With NHL games captivating audiences in hockey-enthusiast Canada, Rogers aims to enhance the fan experience on Sportsnet, its cable and digital sports platform, while competing with rivals like TSN.
Conclusion
Tony Staffieri, President and CEO of Rogers, highlighted the value of the partnership, stating, “The NHL has been a terrific partner for over a decade, and we’re proud to continue our collaboration to provide Canadians with exceptional broadcasts and fan experiences.” As the NHL continues to evolve, this extended agreement lays a solid foundation for the future of hockey on Canadian screens.