Why Habs Games May Cost More Without CBC

CBC will no longer broadcast NHL hockey after the current season, according to a joint statement from Sportsnet and CBC. This change means Saturday night games and playoffs will likely require a Sportsnet subscription, ending a public broadcasting tradition for Hockey Night in Canada that began in 1952.

Why is CBC stopping NHL broadcasts?

CBC is implementing a new sports programming strategy following the Milano/Cortina Olympic Games, according to the joint statement. This decision follows a new 12-year deal between Rogers and the NHL.

Rogers paid $11 billion for the rights to all NHL games in Canada starting next season, according to the source. This is a significant increase from the previous deal, which ran from 2014 to the end of this season and cost Rogers $5.2 billion.

Under the 2014 agreement, CBC aired Saturday night games and four rounds of playoffs. While CBC was not paid for these broadcasts, the Rogers-produced programs provided promotion for CBC shows.

Did You Know? Hockey Night in Canada has been a mainstay on CBC-TV since 1952.

What happens to French-language Canadiens games?

The broadcast future for French-language Montreal Canadiens games remains uncertain for nearly half of the schedule. Rogers and Bell Media previously announced that RDS will air 45 games, a decrease from the 60 games it broadcast previously.

Because the total number of games is increasing from 82 to 84 next season, 39 Canadiens games currently lack a French-language broadcaster. TVA Sports has aired Saturday night and playoff games since 2014, but the Quebecor-owned network has lost more than $197 million since that deal began.

Louis-Philippe Neveu, vice-president of operations, news and sports for Groupe TVA, stated that negotiations with the NHL are ongoing. Neveu said “anything is possible” but could not confirm if TVA Sports would carry games next season.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the shift toward private subscriptions and streaming platforms suggests a broader move to monetize sports rights more aggressively. The gap between the previous $5.2 billion deal and the new $11 billion agreement indicates the high premium the league now places on exclusive digital and cable access.

How will this affect fan costs?

Fans will likely pay more to watch the Canadiens next season. Saturday night games and playoff matchups will likely require a paid Sportsnet subscription.

Hockey Night in Canada ends after CBC, Rogers fail to extend deal

Further costs may arise from streaming platforms. Last year, Monday night NHL games in Canada were available exclusively on Amazon, and more games may move to different streaming services in coming years.

Francophone fans may also face increased costs, and there is a possibility that some games may not be available in French if a deal is not reached.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will CBC stop broadcasting NHL games?
CBC will stop carrying NHL broadcasts after the current season ends.

How much is the new Rogers-NHL deal worth?
The new 12-year deal is valued at $11 billion.

How many games will be aired on RDS?
RDS has a deal to air 45 games.

Do you think the shift to subscription-only sports broadcasts impacts the accessibility of national traditions?