The NHL announced a massive new broadcast and multimedia deal with Rogers Communication in Canada on Tuesday worth $5.2 billion Canadian (roughly $4.9 million in US dollars) over 12 years that includes all national rights to NHL games, including the Stanley Cup playoffs.
The deal, which marks the largest television rights deal in NHL history, begins with the 2014-15 season and extends through the 2025-26 season. The deal is still subject to the approval of the NHL’s board of Governors, which will convene on Dec. 9-10 in Pebble Beach, California.
“Our fans always want to explore deeper and more emotional connections to NHL hockey and that is precisely what Rogers has promised to deliver over the next 12 years – channeling the reach of its platforms and the intensity of its passion for the game into an unparalleled viewing experience,” NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said.
Rogers will pay the NHL $300 million in the first year and will gradually increase to approximately mid-$500 million in the final year. The deal also includes an upfront payment of $150 million spread over the first two years of the contract.
Rogers also announced that it would sub-license games on Saturday night so that Hockey Night in Canada will remain on CBC, which has aired Hockey Night since 1952.
The move also means that TSN will no longer be the national broadcaster and will lose 70 games of regular season and playoffs.
TSN decided then it would, in spite of losing nat'l rights, maintain/intensify efforts to continue as THE source for hockey news and info.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) November 26, 2013