The NHL returns to ESPN, sources confirmed.
In a seven-year deal that could be announced as early as this week, ABC / ESPN will broadcast four Stanley Cups, according to sources.
SportsNet Canada first reported the deal. ESPN and the NHL declined comment.
The financial information of the agreement is not yet known. ESPN +, the network transmission service, is expected to have a significant presence in the future.
NBC Sports reaches the final season of its ten-year deal, for about $ 2 billion. It has had exclusive rights over the league in the United States, but the NHL intends to have several operators of its national broadcasts.
NBC could very well keep half the package and pick up the other three Cups. In light of upcoming NFL deals that are expected to double the amount you pay for “Sunday Night Football” to $ 2 billion a year, Comcast CEO Brian Roberts said the company NBC Sports host will have to make “difficult decisions” about current relationships.
The company will close its NBC Sports Network later this year, but could use USA Network and its subscription service, Peacock, for most games.
Fox is another candidate in the other half of the pack, while CBS can’t be ruled out altogether.