Prime Video announced that it will begin broadcasting national NHL regular‑season games on Wednesday evenings beginning with the 2026‑27 season, a rights package that will run through the 2037‑38 campaign.
In addition to the weekly slate, the streaming service will also carry select early‑round playoff series in Canada, expanding its live sports offering across the country.
The deal marks a significant shift in the league’s distribution strategy, moving a portion of the schedule from traditional over‑the‑air and cable outlets to a dedicated streaming platform.
Rogers Communications, already a major stakeholder in Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, will increase its ownership in the Toronto‑based sports conglomerate to 75 percent, with a plan to acquire the remaining 25 percent by 2026.
The transaction follows a period of shared ownership in which Bell and Rogers each held 37.5 percent of MLSE, while Larry Tanenbaum retained the final 25 percent.
Bell’s decision to exit the partnership cleared the path for Rogers to consolidate control, a move the company says underscores its long‑term commitment to sports as a core business pillar.
A Strategic Move for Canadian Hockey
Edward Rogers, executive chairman of Rogers Communications, highlighted the strategic importance of the agreement, stating that the company aims to field competitive teams that can contend for playoff titles and deliver lasting value to fans.
The arrangement also reflects a broader industry trend toward direct‑to‑consumer sports broadcasting, as leagues seek to leverage streaming platforms to reach younger audiences.
Industry analysts expect the deal to influence future negotiations around broadcast rights, as other rights holders consider similar partnerships with digital distributors.