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Puck drops on new-look NHL broadcasting scene after major off-season changes
Rogers’ $11 billion deal keeps most NHL games on Sportsnet and ends CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada coverage after decades.
After decades of NHL coverage, the CBC will no longer broadcast league games as Rogers Communications extended its rights agreement for 12 years at a cost of $11 billion. This marks the first time since 1952 that NHL games are unavailable on the public broadcaster.
Sportsnet announced its 2026-27 season plans, lifting 150 regional blackouts and renaming 'Hockey Night in Canada' to 'Saturday Night Hockey.' The network also cancelled 'Hockey Night in Canada: Punjabi Edition' after an 18-year run.
Monday Night Hockey games will stream exclusively on Sportsnet+, though cable subscribers must pay an additional $12.99 monthly for an add-on package. On-air personalities Kelly Hrudey and Jennifer Botterill will not return to the network.
"You've got to pay extra now," said Mike Naraine, an associate sports management professor at Brock University. NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly added, "You can't stop and shouldn't stop evolution."
With the NHL's departure, the CBC is expected to fill weekend slots with curling and the Professional Women's Hockey League . The public broadcaster has yet to announce its full fall and winter programming lineup.