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A look at the NHL Network and who owns it, as the league looks to expand its reach with a new TV deal.
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Introduction
The NHL Network is a Canadian English-language sports channel owned by the National Hockey League. The channel broadcasts nationally on cable, satellite and IPTV providers.
History of the NHL Network
The NHL Network is an American sports-oriented cable and satellite television network that is owned by the National Hockey League (NHL). The channel features live game telecasts from the NHL and other professional and collegiate hockey leagues, as well as NHL-related content including analysis shows, interviews, highlights, and original programming.
The channel was launched on October 1, 2007 under the ownership of Comcast, the NHL, and DirecTV. The channel was originally going to be called “Versus/NHL Network”, but the name was later shortened to “NHL Network” to avoid any confusion with Comcast’s then-existing sports channel, Versus (now NBC Sports Network).
In August 2011, the NHL reached a long-term deal with Rogers Communications for that company to take over responsibility for operating the NHL Network in Canada; as part of the deal, Rogers also acquired a minority equity stake in MLB Network (another joint venture between MLB and Comcast).
As of February 2015, NHL Network is available to approximately 50 million households in the United States and Canada.
Comcast-Spectacor
Comcast-Spectacor is an American sports and entertainment holding company based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It owns a large portfolio of businesses in the sports and entertainment industries, including the National Hockey League’s Philadelphia Flyers and the Wells Fargo Center. Comcast-Spectacor also ownsGlobal Spectrum, a facilities management company that oversees more than 100 arenas and stadiums around the world; Front Row Marketing Services, a live event marketing company; Philadelphia Fusion, an Overwatch League esports team; and Spectra Ticketing & Fan Engagement, a ticketing software company.
NBC Sports Group
The NBC Sports Group is a division of NBCUniversal that is responsible for the production and telecasting of sporting events on the network. The group also operates the NHL Network, which is a 24-hour channel that focuses on the National Hockey League.
NHL Media
NHL Media is a Canadian media company that owns and operates the NHL Network. The company is jointly owned by Rogers Communications and the National Hockey League.
Other Partners
NHL Network is a partnership between the National Hockey League and NBCUniversal. Comcast, the parent company of NBCUniversal, owns a majority stake in the network. Other partners include Canadian media company Rogers Communications and U.S. satellite television provider DirecTV.
NHL Network in Canada
The NHL Network is a Canadian English-language Category B specialty channel owned by the National Hockey League. It is a national channel that airs live games as well as news, analyst shows, and other exclusive content. The channel broadcasts on digital cable and satellite television providers throughout Canada.
NHL Network Radio
NHL Network Radio is a 24-hour radio channel owned by the National Hockey League, which airs nationally on Sirius XM Radio. The channel features live game broadcasts of all 30 NHL teams, as well as news, interviews and other hockey-related programming.
Future of the NHL Network
The current media rights agreement between the NHL and Rogers Communications expires in 2025. As the Canadian media rights are a significant portion of the NHL’s total media rights revenue, the future of the NHL Network in Canada is uncertain.
In the United States, the NHL Network is owned by NBC Sports Group, which is a subsidiary of Comcast. The network airs live games, as well as pre-game and post-game shows, original programming, and other exclusive content.
Conclusion
After doing some research, we have come to the conclusion that the NHL Network is currently owned by Comcast. However, this could change in the future as the network is currently in the process of being acquired by BAMTech, a subsidiary of Disney.
