The National Hockey League unveiled a multi-year distribution agreement that places Disney-owned platforms at the heart of its broadcast strategy through the 2027-28 season, promising fans a blend of traditional television and streaming coverage.
Key games on the broadcast slate
Among the 18 marquee matchups highlighted for the upcoming campaign, a Saturday noon showdown between the Boston Bruins and New York Rangers will open the season on ABC, while a February 6 All-Star Game is slated for UBS Arena in New York. Later in the month, a primetime clash between the Dallas Stars and Vegas Golden Knights will be staged at AT&T Stadium, and a back-to-back tripleheader on April 3 and 10 will feature three games in a single day.
Streaming landscape
While ABC will broadcast 53 of the 100 exclusive games, the remaining 47 will be distributed across ESPN+, Disney+ and Hulu, giving viewers the flexibility to follow the sport on their preferred platform.
A long-standing partnership
ESPN’s involvement with the league dates back to 1979, when it first brought live hockey to American audiences. The network has since pioneered innovations such as MaskCam and SkyCam, revived NHL programming on ESPN+ in 2018, and produced the league’s inaugural All-Star broadcast in 1986, cementing its role as a pioneer in sports coverage.
The agreement not only cements Disney’s role as the league’s media anchor but also promises a sustained push for higher-profile events, including exclusive Stanley Cup Final coverage on ABC, ensuring that the sport’s biggest moments remain widely accessible.