Rogers, NHL have agreed to another broadcast deal. What will that mean for how you watch the game?

Rogers Communications has secured another 12-year exclusive deal with the NHL, ensuring that Canadians will continue to have access to their beloved hockey games until 2037-38. The $11-billion agreement, announced today, gives Rogers the rights to broadcast all regular season and playoff games, the Stanley Cup Final, and all special events across TV, streaming, and digital platforms. This deal is a continuation of the previous 12-year agreement, which cost $5.2 billion and is set to expire at the end of the 2025-26 hockey season.

Tony Staffieri, president and CEO of Rogers Communications, expressed pride in the company’s ongoing role as the “home of hockey” for the next 12 years. However, as fans eagerly anticipate the new broadcasting era, there are a few key aspects to consider.

One pressing question is whether the cost of the $11-billion deal will result in higher prices for viewers. While Staffieri emphasized a commitment to expanding viewership and offering the best value for customers at competitive prices, experts like sportswriter Richard Deitsch warn against potential cost increases. Canadian hockey fans have their limits in terms of how much they are willing to pay to watch the game, especially amidst rising living expenses.

One positive change on the horizon is the possibility of fewer blackouts. The NHL currently enforces regional blackouts, restricting certain games to specific areas. Rogers plans to convert some regional games into national ones, allowing more games to be accessible nationwide. This move is expected to enhance the viewing experience for fans across the country.

In terms of where fans can watch hockey, Rogers sub-licenses the rights to other media organizations such as TSN, TVA, and Amazon Prime. The recent partnership with Amazon Prime to stream regular-season games on Monday Night Hockey has been viewed as a successful strategy to reach new audiences. Rogers is likely to continue this collaboration, reflecting the industry’s shift towards streaming platforms as the future of sports broadcasting.

Another significant aspect is the fate of Hockey Night in Canada, a long-standing tradition airing on CBC television. While the CBC currently holds the rights to broadcast the iconic program, the agreement with Rogers is set to expire soon. Discussions are ongoing between Rogers and CBC, with a decision pending on whether the partnership will continue beyond the current deal.

Looking ahead, experts anticipate substantial growth in digital and streaming technologies over the next 12 years. Content is expected to become more personalized and tailored to individual fans, offering a unique viewing experience. While the exclusive deal solidifies Rogers’ dominance in Canadian sports broadcasting, there are hopes for continued innovation and high-quality programming to keep fans engaged.

As the new era of NHL broadcasting unfolds, Canadians can look forward to an enhanced viewing experience that caters to their passion for hockey. With Rogers at the helm, the future of hockey broadcasting in Canada promises excitement, accessibility, and innovation for fans across the country.