ESPN releases full details of its new deal with the NHL

The NHL is officially coming back to ESPN. After rumours Tuesday that the two sides had reached a new deal, details on the agreement have been officially released.

"The Walt Disney Company, ESPN and the National Hockey League have reached a historic and innovative seven-year television, streaming and media rights deal, taking the new partnership from the beginning of the 2021-22 season through the 2027-28 season," said ESPN in its release.

"The visionary, first-of-its-kind agreement brings the NHL back to Disney and ESPN platforms and illustrates the unique position of The Walt Disney Company to bring the best hockey in the world to millions across its unparalleled collection of media platforms."

"It is highlighted by: exclusive coverage of the Stanley Cup Final on ABC in four of the seven years of the agreement, with the ability to simulcast/megacast on ESPN+ and additional ESPN networks; the return of live NHL action to ESPN networks with 25 exclusive national regular-season games on ABC or ESPN; 75 national regular-season games per season produced by ESPN that will stream exclusively on both ESPN+ and Hulu; half of the Stanley Cup Playoffs on ABC and ESPN each season; and coverage annually of NHL's Face-off (opening night games), the NHL All-Star Game and Skills Challenge, plus other NHL special events each season."

Additionally, the NHL's out-of-market streaming package, with more than 1,000 games (formerly on NHL.TV), will now be available for fans to stream only as part of an ESPN+ subscription.

Many hockey fans have been very critical of ESPN's hockey coverage, or lack thereof, over the last few years. This is sure to increase the amount of coverage and highlights fans will find across the networks. As was reported Tuesday, this represents one half of the NHL broadcasting rights in the Unites States. The NHL of NBC will see its rights for the NHL expire at the end of this season, unless a new deal can be reached. The new deal with ESPN and its affiliates is rumoured to be worth over $2 billion.

Source: ESPN Press Room

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