What's Happening?
Amazon Prime Video and Rogers Communications have announced a 12-year sublicensing agreement to broadcast NHL games in Canada. Starting with the 2026-2027 season, Prime Video will exclusively air Wednesday night national NHL games in both English and French.
The deal includes at least 26 national regular-season games and select Stanley Cup Playoff series. This partnership builds on Rogers' existing $11 billion media rights deal with the NHL, reinforcing its position as a key player in Canadian sports broadcasting. The agreement marks a significant shift towards streaming platforms for NHL content in Canada.
Why It's Important?
This deal signifies a major shift in how Canadian audiences will access NHL games, moving away from traditional broadcasting to streaming platforms. It reflects the growing influence of digital media in sports broadcasting, offering fans more flexibility and potentially fewer blackouts. The partnership between Amazon and Rogers could set a precedent for future sports broadcasting deals, highlighting the increasing importance of streaming services in delivering live sports content. This shift may also impact advertising strategies and revenue models within the sports broadcasting industry.
