The NHL is returning to the “Worldwide Leader in Sports” for the first time since 2004.
ESPN has struck a deal with the NHL for the 2021-22 season, ending hockey's almost exclusive partnership with NBC and NBCSN.
The deal will run through the 2027-28 season, and includes streaming packages via both ESPN+ and Hulu.
The Stanley Cup Final will be broadcast exclusively on ABC in four of the seven seasons, with half of the Stanley Cup Playoffs on ABC and ESPN each season. There is a large swath of nationally-televised games, with even more available on the streaming services.
Here are some of the highlights of the @NHL’s seven-year television, streaming and media rights deal with @ESPN. Details: https://t.co/0W7ybok2ai pic.twitter.com/Aj5qs0HM72
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) March 10, 2021
Full details can be found via the NHL's press release announcing the deal.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman hailed the deal as a “big win” for fans and the sport:
“Not only will this groundbreaking, seven-year deal enable the NHL to benefit from the incomparable power, reach and influence of The Walt Disney Company and ABC/ESPN,” Bettman said, via the release, “it sets a new standard in delivering our game to the most passionate and tech-savvy fans in sports in the ways they now demand and on the platforms they use.”
Streaming will be a large part of the deal, which is hardly a surprise considering how hard ESPN has been pushing he ESPN+ platform.
Aside from the 75 national games streaming on ESPN+ and Hulu, the streaming services will also offer over 1,000 live and out-of-market broadcasts.
It has been quite some time since hockey has been broadcast on ESPN. But the “Worldwide Leader” is back to revitalize the sport with NBC trending down in its sports coverage.
Follow Us
Subscribe