The familiar opening chords of Hockey Night in Canada will no longer echo from CBC’s living rooms next season, marking the end of a nearly seven‑decade tradition that has defined Saturday evenings for generations of Canadian hockey fans.
A historic partnership ends
In a joint announcement, Rogers Sportsnet and the public broadcaster confirmed that the sub‑licensing agreement that allowed the CBC to air NHL games has expired, leaving the network without the rights to broadcast the sport’s flagship program.
For decades, the CBC has been the home of Hockey Night in Canada, delivering live play‑by‑play commentary, iconic theme music and the ritual of gathering families around the television set each week.
The decision follows the conclusion of the most recent Stanley Cup playoffs, after which the network and Rogers failed to reach a renewal, a development that underscores the shifting dynamics of sports broadcasting in Canada.
Rogers, which holds a 12‑year, $11‑billion deal for NHL rights, will continue to carry the Hockey Night in Canada brand on its Sportsnet platform, ensuring that the storied title does not disappear from the Canadian market.
The move represents the first time in the program’s long history that Canadian viewers will be unable to tune in to the iconic broadcast through the CBC, raising questions about the future of public‑service sports coverage and the role of private media conglomerates.