The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) will conclude its long-standing partnership with the National Hockey League (NHL) following the expiration of its current sub-licensing agreement, ending a 74-year tradition of free-to-air hockey broadcasts. According to an official statement from Sportsnet, the current rights deal—which sees the CBC air Hockey Night in Canada—will not be renewed in its existing capacity, signaling a major shift in how Canadians access professional hockey.
Why is the partnership ending now?
The decision stems from the conclusion of the 12-year, $5.2 billion national broadcast rights deal signed between Rogers Communications and the NHL in 2013. Under that agreement, Rogers—the parent company of Sportsnet—sub-licensed the Saturday night broadcast rights to the CBC to maintain the Hockey Night in Canada brand on a public platform. With the original deal reaching its natural conclusion, Rogers has opted to retain full control of its digital and broadcast assets, prioritizing its own platforms over the traditional public broadcaster.
What happens to Hockey Night in Canada?
While the CBC’s role as the primary home for the Saturday night staple is ending, the Hockey Night in Canada brand itself remains the property of Rogers. According to The Globe and Mail, the broadcast will continue exclusively on Sportsnet and its associated streaming platforms, such as SN Now. This transition effectively moves the sport behind a paywall for many viewers who previously relied on over-the-air signals or basic cable packages that included the CBC.
How does this change the viewer experience?
For the average Canadian hockey fan, the shift represents a transition from a public-service model to a commercial-exclusive model. Historically, the CBC’s role allowed for widespread, free access to NHL games across the country. By consolidating the rights under Sportsnet, the NHL and its broadcast partners are aligning with broader global trends in sports media, where leagues prioritize premium subscription services and dedicated sports networks to maximize advertising and subscription revenue.
Key developments in the NHL broadcast landscape
The following timeline highlights the evolution of the NHL’s broadcasting strategy in Canada:
| Period | Primary Broadcaster | Access Model |
|---|---|---|
| 1952–2014 | CBC | Free-to-air / Public |
| 2014–2026 | Rogers/Sportsnet (Sub-licensed to CBC) | Hybrid (Cable/Public) |
| Post-2026 | Rogers/Sportsnet | Commercial/Subscription |
What is the future of televised hockey in Canada?
The end of the CBC’s involvement marks the final step in the commercialization of the NHL in Canada. As reported by the Toronto Star, the move reflects the shrinking role of legacy public broadcasting in the face of rising sports rights costs. While fans will still have access to the games, the barrier to entry will likely increase as the industry pivots toward digital-first, subscription-based viewership. The NHL has not yet signaled any intent to seek a new free-to-air partner, suggesting that the era of "free" national hockey on the CBC is effectively over.