Special Bulletin - Rogers extends NHL media rights in Canada for another 12 years until 2037-38

We've got the official announcement this morning that Rogers Communications is retaining the NHL media rights in Canada for an additional 12 years worth $11 billion, an agreement that starts in the 2026-27 season and lasts until the 2037-38 season.

The deal includes French-language rights, which it can sub-licence (presumably to either TVA or RDS) and company promises more national games and fewer regional blackouts to hockey fans.

“The NHL has been a terrific partner for over a decade, and we’re proud to continue our partnership and bring more great fan experiences and best-in-class broadcasts to Canadians,” said Tony Staffieri, President and CEO, Rogers. “Hockey is Canada’s game and we’re proud to be the home of hockey. “Sports are core to our company, and these rights are the most valuable sports rights in Canada.”

“For more than a decade, Rogers has done an incredible job of conveying what NHL hockey, our players and our teams mean to hockey fans and their communities from coast to coast to coast,” said NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. “We’re thrilled to continue our landmark partnership for an additional 12 years. The NHL and Rogers have a shared commitment to best serving Canadian fans and the unmatched passion that they have for our game, and we are particularly excited that through this agreement, we’ll bring more live games to more fans across Canada.”

Other highlights in this 12-year extension include: 

National rights across all platforms, including TV, digital, and streaming, for all national regular season games, in all languages. 

National rights to all playoff games, the Stanley Cup Final and all special events, and tentpole events, in all languages. 

Out-of-market rights for all regional games.  

The exclusive category sponsor for the NHL and all NHL tentpole events held in Canada.  

Not to mention that a single-night exclusive national package will be announced at a later date.

“Hockey is part of the fabric of Canadian culture and our long-term relationship with the NHL helped make Sportsnet Canada’s #1 sports media brand,” said Colette Watson, President, Rogers Sports & Media. “Canadians overwhelmingly choose Sportsnet, and we are investing in this partnership, so fans have access to more games, more content and more choice from their favourite teams across the league.” 

This agreement is expected to be accretive to Rogers shareholders and continue to drive profitability for Rogers Sports & Media from the outset. The financial terms are comprised of escalating annual payments that will total $11 billion paid to the NHL over the 12-year term.