NHL insider confirms Sportsnet sold broadcasting rights to Amazon

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Hunter Bowman
April 24, 2024 (7:13 PM)

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The landscape of watching hockey in Canada is set for a significant transformation. NHL insider David Pagnotta has reported that Sportsnet has passed the rights to Monday Night NHL games over to Amazon.

Multiple sources have confirmed that Amazon has retained the Canadian broadcast rights from Rogers to air Monday Night Hockey on their platform during the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons, the remaining two years of Rogers' current 12-year agreement.

Details on how Amazon will handle the broadcasts are still under wraps, but the tech giant is now officially entering the hockey broadcasting arena for at least the next two seasons. This move is part of a growing partnership between the NHL and Amazon, which includes the launch of a behind-the-scenes NHL series this October, showcasing stars from various teams.

As Rogers and Sportsnet's extensive broadcast deal with the NHL winds down, it appears they're looking to redistribute their hockey content. Pagnotta also noted that Bell and TSN might step back into the ring to reclaim some rights for both regional and national games. This could mean hockey fans will soon have a variety of platforms through which to enjoy their favorite sport.

This shift is largely being celebrated by fans, many of whom find the current Sportsnet broadcasts lackluster and uninspiring compared to other options available. It's clear that viewer feedback has not gone unnoticed, and there's hope that the upcoming changes will enhance the viewing experience while preserving the best aspects of the current broadcast team.