Rogers Sportsnet and the CBC announced Tuesday that the 12‑year sub‑licensing agreement that had carried NHL games on the public broadcaster’s platforms will come to an end.
The CBC, which has televised NHL games since 1952, will now replace those broadcasts with a new Saturday night prime‑time program that highlights Canadian athletes, marking a strategic shift for the public broadcaster.
A New Direction for Canadian Sports Broadcasting
Rogers Sportsnet first secured the league’s Canadian rights in 2013 for $5.2 billion, and renewed those rights in 2023 with a 12‑year, $11.2‑billion package that begins in October, ensuring that all NHL games will be streamed exclusively through its Sportsnet service.
In a joint statement, both parties expressed gratitude for the partnership and said they look forward to future collaborations, even as the landscape of sports media continues to evolve.
The new programming slate will feature a Saturday night showcase that not only replays classic moments but also spotlights emerging Canadian talent, while the CBC invests in ambitious projects such as the 2028 Los Angeles Games and a future bid for the French Alps in 2030.