The End of an Era for Hockey Night in Canada
CBC has confirmed that it will no longer air National Hockey League games once the current season concludes, bringing to a close a broadcasting partnership that dates back to 1952.
The decision follows a strategic shift by the public broadcaster after the recent success of the Milano‑Cortina Olympic Games, and it marks the end of an era for the beloved Hockey Night in Canada brand that has been a Saturday night staple for generations.
Sportsnet Takes the Helm
Sportsnet, the exclusive Canadian rightsholder, will continue to deliver NHL coverage, having secured a 12‑year, $11 billion agreement with the league earlier this year. The network also sublicensed Monday night games to Amazon Prime Video and French‑language broadcasts to TVA Sports.
Rogers Communications, the parent company of Sportsnet and the over‑the‑air Citytv network, has seen its sports portfolio expand dramatically, while CBC has markedly reduced its sports programming in recent years.
A New Saturday Night Lineup
In place of Hockey Night in Canada, CBC plans to launch a new Saturday primetime show that will spotlight Canadian athletes, reflecting a renewed focus on Olympic sports through to 2032, as announced by CBC Sports executive director Chris Wilson.