Recall the moment when NHL commissioner Gary Bettman highlighted the league’s dedication to providing fans with access to games, asserting, “The biggest concern is making sure fans have access to our games.” NHL blackouts happen when specific games are not allowed to be aired in certain areas, primarily to safeguard local television rights and promote in-person attendance at the events.

Supporters frequently express their frustrations as these blackouts hinder their ability to view their beloved teams on streaming platforms or national broadcasts, despite having invested in NHL subscriptions such as ESPN+ or NHL Live. The situation has escalated in frustration due to the league’s recent media agreement, resulting in an increase in regionally restricted games. This has left numerous fans unable to legally access the games, even with several subscriptions in hand. This has ignited significant backlash, with numerous voices urging the league to update its broadcasting strategies.

Have you heard about the NHL’s new broadcasting deal? Now, it’s time for the Canadian fans! On X, NHL Public Relations released a statement: “The @NHL and @Rogers announce monumental 12-year national media rights deal. Under the new agreement, fans in Canada will have access to more live national games than ever before and fewer regional blackouts.”

Rogers Communications and the National Hockey League (NHL) have unveiled a significant 12-year agreement granting national media rights for NHL games across all platforms in Canada, extending through the 2037-38 season. The $11 billion CDN agreement is set to commence in 2026-27, marking the end of the current landmark 12-year deal and extending the strategic partnership to more than twenty years. What advantages are the fans reaping from this agreement?

National rights will be granted across all platforms, encompassing TV, digital, and streaming, for every regular-season game, available in all languages. The same applies to the playoff games, the Stanley Cup Final, and all special and tentpole events, across all languages. This encompasses out-of-market rights for all regional games, along with exclusive category sponsorship for the NHL and all major NHL events taking place in Canada. Despite the updates, the fans remain dissatisfied with the blackout problems.

Still not happy with the NHL

A significant number of fans continue to emphasize the statement, suggesting that blackouts are likely to persist in the league, with one remarking, “If you want more fans, remove blackouts. Harder said than done of course.” Drawing inspiration from other well-known leagues, this supporter expressed, “How about no blackouts at all?? Are NFL games blacked out? If you want to grow a fan base base for one of the best sports & leagues the answer is more exposure, not less. Everyone should be able to watch all games. Sell advertising like a normal league so anybody that wants to can watch.” Another fan commented, “‘Fewer blackouts’ still mean blackouts…”

What were Gary Bettman’s comments regarding the deal with Rogers? “For more than a decade, Rogers has done an incredible job of conveying what NHL hockey, our players and our teams mean to hockey fans and their communities from coast to coast to coast. We’re thrilled to continue our landmark partnership for an additional 12 years. The NHL and Rogers have a shared commitment to best serving Canadian fans and the unmatched passion that they have for our game, and we are particularly excited that through this agreement, we’ll bring more live games to more fans across Canada,” said the NHL commissioner.

Undoubtedly, Bettman is enthusiastic about the sport’s expansion, and he recognizes the deep emotions tied to hockey in Canada. This deal was approved to cater to that fanbase, ensuring they receive the best broadcast available. Nevertheless, highlighting the concerns, this supporter stated, “How about No Blackouts period.” In a related observation, this supporter remarked, “Fewer? Should be 0 blackouts for the price we pay for this mediocre streaming service.” Although the agreement appears promising for supporters, it remains to be seen whether the NHL will address the ongoing broadcasting challenges.