What's Happening?
The Nashville Predators and Scripps Sports have announced a multi-year media rights agreement for the 2026-27 NHL season. This partnership will result in 85 Predators games, including four preseason and 81 regular season games, being broadcast regionally
on The Spot – Nashville 28, a free, over-the-air channel. This marks the first time in franchise history that all preseason games will be televised. Additionally, at least four games will be simulcast on Scripps-owned NewsChannel 5 (WTVF). The agreement ensures that the Predators' entire television broadcast team will return, and Scripps Sports plans to partner with other broadcasters across the team's five-state viewing territory, which includes Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama, Mississippi, and Georgia, to distribute the full season of games. A new weekly behind-the-scenes show will also debut on NewsChannel 5, with re-airs on The Spot – Nashville 28. Furthermore, a direct-to-consumer streaming service in partnership with ViewLift is expected to be announced, offering live games, on-demand replays, highlights, and original programming across various platforms.
Why It's Important?
This new media rights agreement significantly increases accessibility for Nashville Predators fans, particularly those in the Middle Tennessee community, by providing free, over-the-air access to games. This move addresses a long-standing priority for the Predators organization to make their games more widely available, potentially expanding their fanbase and strengthening community engagement. For Scripps Sports, this partnership enhances its growing portfolio of sports broadcasting rights, solidifying its presence in regional sports markets and leveraging its local broadcast infrastructure. The inclusion of a direct-to-consumer streaming service also reflects a broader trend in sports media, offering fans more flexible viewing options and catering to evolving consumption habits. This strategy could lead to increased viewership and revenue opportunities for both the team and Scripps Sports, while also setting a precedent for how regional sports content is distributed in the future.
What's Next?
Following this announcement, the Nashville Predators and Scripps Sports will finalize partnerships with other broadcasters across the team's five-state viewing territory to ensure comprehensive distribution of games. Details regarding the direct-to-consumer streaming service, including pricing and trial information, are expected to be announced in the coming weeks. The 2026-27 NHL season will commence with the Predators' season-opener on October 1 against Minnesota, preceded by a special one-hour pregame show. The new weekly behind-the-scenes show will premiere on October 2 on NewsChannel 5. Fans can anticipate further information on how to access games via cable and satellite distributors serving the Predators territory. The success of this partnership could influence future media rights negotiations for other NHL teams and regional sports networks.
Beyond the Headlines
The shift to free, over-the-air broadcasting for a significant portion of the Nashville Predators' games represents a notable departure from the traditional cable-centric model of sports distribution. This move could democratize access to professional hockey, making it available to a wider audience who may not subscribe to costly cable packages. It also highlights the increasing importance of regional sports networks and local broadcasters in the evolving media landscape. The integration of a direct-to-consumer streaming service alongside traditional broadcasts indicates a hybrid approach to content delivery, aiming to cater to both traditional viewers and digitally native audiences. This strategy could serve as a model for other sports franchises looking to maximize reach and engagement in an increasingly fragmented media environment, potentially leading to a re-evaluation of how sports leagues structure their media rights in the future.
