NHL eyeing 50–100% rights fee increase as talks with ESPN and Skydance's TNT approach
The NHL is preparing to begin preliminary renewal discussions with ESPN and TNT, which is now owned by Skydance, according to a CNBC report. The league's current broadcast arrangement is a seven-year, $4.5 billion deal running through the 2027–2028 season, and the NHL intends to seek a fee increase of between 50 and 100 percent over that figure. Both broadcasters are said to have genuine interest in continuing the relationship, aided by improving ratings on both networks this season and the success of the 4 Nations Face-Off event. However, the report notes that Skydance's leadership has signaled a disciplined approach to rights spending, and the shifting value of NHL content to TNT — now that the network is paired with CBS Sports rather than operating without the NBA — could limit how large an increase the league can ultimately secure.
mutual interest" from both ESPN and TNT in sticking together
Why it matters
For service providers: A significant rights fee increase could affect league revenue distribution and the broader valuation of professional hockey properties.
For brands: Sponsors and advertisers with NHL inventory on ESPN or TNT should monitor whether rights fees and audience reach shift under a new deal.
For media: The outcome of these negotiations will shape which platforms carry NHL games beyond the 2027–2028 season and at what cost.
Read the full story at Awful Announcing
Sources
- Awful Announcing · Matt Yoder: ‘Mutual interest’ reported in NHL renewing rights with ESPN, TNT