NHL seeks up to 100% increase in TV rights fees from ESPN, TNT and potential new partners
According to CNBC, the league’s exclusive negotiating window with both companies opens early next year.The report says there is "mutual interest" in renewing the partnerships.This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners.
If you sign up or place a wager, FOX News may be compensated.This content was created by a team that works independently from the FOX newsroom.The league will likely point to the NFL and NBA, both of which secured substantial increases in their latest media rights deals.The NHL has also seen viewership growth across ESPN and TNT, strengthening its case for a raise.NHL STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS VIEWERSHIP SURGES AS HOCKEY RIDES WAVE FROM US OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALNHLPA executive director Marty Walsh(left) and NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman announced a new format for the league's 2027 All-Star Weekend.
(Photo by Brian Babineau/NHLI via Getty Images)One potential roadblock is TNT’s new ownership under Skydance, whose executives recently vowed to remain "disciplined" when bidding on sports rights.With the NFL positioned to demand a substantial increase from CBS, another Skydance property, hockey could face a budget squeeze.The NHL could also add a third partner to maximize revenue.One idea floated by industry insiders is Netflix bidding on marquee events such as the 4 Nations Face-Off and Winter Classic.That would fit Netflix’s strategy of acquiring major sports events rather than a weekly slate of games.
In 2026, Netflix added MLB’s Opening Night, the Home Run Derby and the Field of Dreams game.It also expanded its NFL schedule with an opening-week game and a Thanksgiving Eve matchup.NFL PUSHES DEEPER INTO STREAMING AS NETFLIX LANDS AUSTRALIA GAME AMID FCC, DOJ SCRUTINYTeam USA forward Auston Matthews (34) and former hockey player Mike Eruzione and former hockey player Wayne Gretzky and Team Canada forward Sidney Crosby (87) during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden on Feb.
20, 2025.(Brian Fluha...