For the first time since 1952, Hockey Night in Canada will not be broadcast on CBC, as the partnership between the public broadcaster and Rogers Sportsnet has ended. The announcement came in a joint statement on Tuesday, marking the conclusion of a 12-year collaboration.
End of an Era in Canadian Sports Broadcasting
While not entirely unexpected, given that Sportsnet has produced the shows for the past 12 seasons, the move signifies a major shift in Canadian sports television. The broadcasts, essentially owned by Rogers, have been a staple of Saturday nights for generations.
The timing aligns with the expiration of Rogers Communications' current contract with the NHL. The new 12-year, $11-billion deal will take effect next season, giving Rogers full control over all national NHL broadcasts across TV, digital, and streaming platforms in all languages, including the Stanley Cup final.
What the New Deal Means for Viewers
Rogers has not yet detailed its presentation plans or pricing for viewers, particularly regarding streaming. As the sports viewing landscape evolves, streaming services are expected to introduce additional costs for Canadian audiences.
The fate of the iconic Hockey Night in Canada branding also remains uncertain. Although CBC's role has diminished in recent years, the program has been a heritage property since its first television broadcast in 1952, becoming a cultural institution.
Official Statements
The broadcasters released a joint statement: “After a successful 12-year partnership, Sportsnet and CBC today announced the public broadcaster will no longer carry NHL broadcasts after the current season as it moves forward with a new sports programming strategy following the unprecedented success of the Milano/Cortina Olympic Games.”
The statement added, “Watching hockey on Saturday night is a time-honoured tradition for Canadians, and Sportsnet is privileged to continue delivering that tradition. This has been a terrific partnership, and both parties look forward to continued opportunities to collaborate in the future.”
The last CBC-produced Hockey Night in Canada aired in June 2014, when the Los Angeles Kings defeated the New York Rangers in the Stanley Cup final.
