NHL broadcasting rights transition to streaming

The NHL is undergoing significant changes to its broadcasting landscape as teams transition toward streaming services. Initial reports indicated that the Dallas Stars might move their broadcasts to Amazon Prime Video as part of a broader league strategy to maximize rights ahead of new television contracts in 2028-29.

This transition has been formalized through a multiyear agreement where Amazon Prime Video secured exclusive local streaming rights for six NHL teams: the Anaheim Ducks, Carolina Hurricanes, Columbus Blue Jackets, Dallas Stars, Minnesota Wild, and St. Louis Blues, effective starting in the 2026–27 season. Under this arrangement, fans within each team’s regional territory can access games, including pre- and post-game coverage, via the Prime Video app.

Subscription models vary by team. Games for the Dallas Stars and Anaheim Ducks are included with a standard Prime membership. For the Hurricanes, Blue Jackets, Wild, and Blues, fans can access games via a subscription costing $20 per month or $100 per year, which can be purchased without a Prime subscription. This shift follows the decline of traditional regional sports networks and the dissolution of partners such as Victory+ and Main Street Sports Group.

Additionally, Amazon will maintain a national presence in Canada, broadcasting ‘Wednesday Night Hockey’ in both English and French as part of a 12-year sub-licensing agreement with Rogers. For the Anaheim Ducks, the team will continue to televise 65 of its 84 games for free locally through FOX 11 and KCOP-13, while Prime Video will host 12 additional games.