A sweeping broadcast agreement
ESPN has secured the rights to present 100 NHL games exclusively during the 2026‑27 season, marking one of the most extensive hockey lineups the network has ever offered. The deal underscores the league’s confidence in ESPN’s ability to deliver marquee matchups to a national audience while expanding its digital footprint.
The season will kick off with a tripleheader on September 29, showcasing the Florida Panthers against the Carolina Hurricanes, the New York Rangers versus the Boston Bruins, and the Chicago Blackhawks taking on the Vegas Golden Knights. Each game will air live on ESPN, giving fans a staggered but high‑stakes start to the campaign.
A much‑anticipated return of NHL Frozen Frenzy is slated for October 13, when all 32 teams will be in action across multiple venues. This event serves as a showcase for the league’s depth and will be complemented by a robust schedule that includes 53 games broadcast on ESPN and ABC, while an additional 47 contests will be streamed via ESPN+, Disney+ and Hulu.
Beyond traditional television, the partnership introduces NHL Power Play on the ESPN App, which will provide access to more than 1,050 out‑of‑market games throughout the season. The Point, ESPN’s NHL studio show, will return for its sixth season, delivering pre‑game analysis on ESPN2 and ESPN+.
Special events punctuate the calendar, including the Honda NHL All‑Star Weekend in February, where a global 3‑on‑3 tournament will take place at UBS Arena in New York, and the Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series, featuring the Dallas Stars versus the Vegas Golden Knights at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
The 2027 Stanley Cup Playoffs will begin in early April, with coverage rolling out across ESPN’s platforms. Every regular‑season and playoff game will be available for live replay on ABC, ESPN, NHL Network and TNT through the NHL Power Play offering on the ESPN App, ensuring fans can catch every pivotal moment.