Rogers Communications and the National Hockey League have signed the biggest media rights deal in NHL history, the communications giant announced November 26.
The deal is a 12-year broadcast and multimedia agreement that will run from the 2014-15 season until 2025-26, and represents the first time a premium North American sports league has granted all of its Canadian rights to a single company on a long-term basis.
Rogers also announced that it has selected CBC and TVA for separate sub-licensing agreements for English and French broadcasts of Hockey Night in Canada.
“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,” said NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman.
“The NHL is extremely excited about the power and potential of this groundbreaking partnership.”
Rogers Media president Keith Pelley said Rogers’ vision is to promote the NHL’s legacy in Canada.
“Today’s announcement significantly increases the value of our premium Sportsnet brand and reinforces our commitment to making Sportsnet the number one sports media brand in Canada,” Pelley said.
Some of the terms of the agreement include:
- Canada-wide rights to all TV broadcasts, internet streaming and radio broadcasts;
- national rights to all regular season games, playoff games and the Stanley Cup final;
- out-of-market rights for all regional games;
- sponsorship rights to the NHL Shield logo as an official partner of the NHL; and
- Canadian representation for all NHL.com ad sales.
The deal is subject to approval by the NHL board of governors at a meeting December 9-10.
