Prime Video Secures 12‑Year Exclusive Broadcast Deal for Wednesday Night NHL Games in Canada
Prime Video and Rogers Communications have sealed a 12‑year agreement that will make Prime Video the exclusive broadcaster of Wednesday night National Hockey League games in Canada, beginning with the 2026‑2027 season.
Under the deal, at least 26 national regular‑season contests will be streamed exclusively on Prime Video, alongside a selection of Stanley Cup Playoff series, giving Canadian fans unprecedented access to live hockey without extra fees.
The arrangement is designed to keep the games at no additional cost for Prime members, integrating the NHL’s marquee matchups into the streaming platform’s sports portfolio.
Executive Perspectives
Tony Staffieri, President and CEO of Rogers, said the partnership underscores the league’s status as some of the most valuable sports content in the country, reinforcing Rogers’ commitment to delivering premium live sports to Canadian audiences.
Jay Marine, Head of Global Sports at Prime Video, added that the expanded collaboration will bring more premium live sports to Prime members in Canada, highlighting the platform’s ambition to be a go‑to destination for major sporting events.
Gary Bettman, Commissioner of the NHL, noted that Prime Video has become a valuable addition to the league’s media lineup in Canada, promising world‑class production and innovative coverage with in‑depth analysis and play‑by‑play commentary.
Existing Rights and Market Impact
Sportsnet continues to hold English‑language rights to more than 500 national games each season, including Monday and Saturday night broadcasts and the majority of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, while the select series now sublicensed to Prime Video will further enrich the viewing options for hockey fans.
Rogers and the NHL previously announced a separate 12‑year agreement covering national media rights across all platforms in Canada, running from the 2026‑27 through the 2037‑38 seasons, a deal that reflects the growing importance of multi‑year partnerships in the sports broadcasting arena.
The exclusivity of Wednesday night games on Prime Video marks a shift in how Canadian viewers consume NHL content, as the streaming service steps into a role traditionally filled by cable and satellite providers.
Fans can expect fewer blackouts and a more streamlined viewing experience, as Sportsnet’s existing package will now complement the new Prime Video offering, delivering a broader array of national games.
Industry analysts predict that the deal will intensify competition among streaming platforms for live sports rights, potentially reshaping the economics of sports broadcasting in North America.
As the agreement unfolds, Canadian hockey enthusiasts can look forward to a richer, more accessible schedule of games, with Prime Video promising to elevate production quality and fan engagement.