Watching NHL Games This Season Could Be More Complicated Than You Think
As the 2024 NHL season begins, hockey fans are facing a growing challenge: the increasing complexity and cost of watching their favorite teams. With the league’s broadcast rights in Canada set for renegotiation, experts warn that things may only get more difficult for viewers.
Since 2013, Rogers Communications has held exclusive national broadcasting rights in Canada, thanks to a $5.2 billion deal. Yet, despite having a single rights holder, watching games hasn’t necessarily become more convenient for fans. This year, games will be spread across Sportsnet, TSN, TVA, and even Amazon Prime, making it crucial for fans to check schedules closely to find where and when their team is playing.
New Broadcast Deals Stir Change
Rogers’ deal with Amazon, signed earlier this year, adds another layer of complexity as Monday night NHL games will now stream on Amazon Prime. The league sees this as an opportunity to expand its audience by tapping into streaming services, a shift aimed at younger viewers who are moving away from traditional cable. However, veteran hockey fans accustomed to simpler viewing setups may find these changes frustrating.
As negotiations for the next Canadian broadcast deal are set to begin in 2025, many wonder how the landscape will shift. Rogers is expected to pursue a renewal, but experts like Cary Kaplan, founder of Cosmos Sports, predict that dividing rights among multiple broadcasters could lead to even higher prices and more complexity for viewers.
Future of NHL Broadcasting
With the growing popularity of streaming services and new options like Free Ad Supported TV (FAST), the traditional cable model is fading. Some experts argue that these changes are beneficial, making games more accessible to younger, digitally savvy audiences. However, the NHL must balance pricing and accessibility to avoid alienating fans who might turn to illegal streaming options to watch their favorite teams.
As hockey remains a cornerstone of Canadian sports culture, the next broadcast deal will shape how fans experience the game for years to come.
Source: World
