The Complicated Landscape of Watching Hockey in Canada
As the puck drops on the NHL season, hockey fans in Canada find themselves navigating an increasingly complex and costly broadcasting landscape. The excitement of the game is overshadowed by the challenges of accessing it, and experts warn that upcoming changes may not simplify the viewing experience for fans.
The Current Broadcasting Rights Situation
Since 2013, Rogers Communications has held the exclusive rights to broadcast national hockey games in Canada, a deal that sent shockwaves through the sports world with its staggering price tag of $5.2 billion. However, this singular rights holder has not translated into a straightforward viewing experience for fans. To catch NHL games this season, fans must subscribe to multiple platforms, including Sportsnet, TSN, TVA, and Amazon Prime. This fragmentation means that on any given night, fans need to check local listings to determine where their favorite team is playing, adding an extra layer of complexity to the viewing experience.
The Role of Amazon Prime
In a significant development, Amazon Prime has entered the hockey broadcasting arena, partnering with Rogers to stream regular-season games on Monday Night Hockey. This collaboration is seen as a strategic move to tap into new audiences and diversify the ways fans can engage with the sport. David Proper, the NHL’s senior executive vice-president for media and international strategy, emphasized the league’s commitment to reaching hockey fans through a variety of streaming services, showcasing a shift in how sports content is distributed.
Future Negotiations and Potential Changes
While Rogers’ current broadcasting deal does not expire until the end of next season, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has indicated that negotiations for the next rights deal will commence this season. Rogers has expressed its intention to renew its broadcasting rights, with CEO Tony Staffieri highlighting the agreement as a "terrific deal." However, the question remains whether Rogers will seek partnerships with other networks to share the financial burden of the broadcast deal, a strategy that has been employed by other leagues to drive up the value of their rights.
The Changing Dynamics of Sports Broadcasting
The landscape of sports broadcasting is evolving rapidly, influenced by broader societal shifts in how we consume media. Dan Berlin, an assistant professor of sport media at Toronto Metropolitan University, notes that traditional broadcasters are clinging to sports as a last bastion of destination viewing. Meanwhile, streaming platforms are gaining traction among younger audiences who have never subscribed to cable. This demographic shift could lead to a more accessible and streamlined viewing experience, as networks adapt to where viewers are congregating.
The Risks of Complication
Despite the potential for a more modernized broadcasting approach, experts caution that sports leagues must tread carefully. If access becomes too complicated or expensive, fans may turn to illegal streaming methods to watch games. Cary Kaplan, founder and president of Cosmos Sports, warns that increasing frustration among fans could lead to a decline in legitimate viewership. The NHL’s current practice of blacking out certain games in specific regions, such as Montreal Canadiens fans struggling to watch games in Ontario, only exacerbates this issue.
The Financial Landscape of the NHL
Despite the challenges fans face, the NHL is experiencing a financial boom. Last year, the league generated an estimated $6.2 billion in revenue, with attendance and viewership on the rise. The excitement surrounding the Stanley Cup final, which saw Game 7 between the Edmonton Oilers and the Florida Panthers become the most-watched broadcast in Sportsnet’s history, underscores the growing popularity of the sport. This financial success allows teams to invest more in attracting top talent, further enhancing the quality of play.
The Future of Hockey Broadcasting
As competition for broadcasting rights intensifies, fans can expect to see an increase in the costs associated with watching their favorite teams. The landscape is shifting, and while there may be opportunities for more accessible viewing options, the complexity of the current system poses significant challenges. The future of hockey broadcasting in Canada remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: fans will need to stay vigilant and adaptable as they navigate this evolving terrain.