NHL Seeks 50%-100% Media Rights Fee Increase in New Deal Talks
Published on · Source: cnbc.com
AI Summary
Summarized by AI from the source belowThe NHL plans to begin formal negotiations for a new media rights deal on January 1 with current partners Disney/ESPN and Skydance, owner of TNT Sports. The league aims for an increase in overall rights fees between 50% and 100% over its existing 7-year, $4.5 billion agreement signed in 2021.
Currently, NHL national media rights generate about 13% of the league's estimated $8 billion annual revenue. ESPN holds rights to 100 exclusive games for the 2026-27 season, split between cable and streaming platforms. Playoffs coverage is shared by Disney and TNT, with Disney expressing interest in acquiring more playoff games. Last season's NHL playoffs averaged a record 1.8 million viewers per game, while the Stanley Cup finals drew 5.2 million viewers, the largest since 2019.
The NHL also reported a 25% increase in regular season viewership across ESPN/ABC and TNT, hitting the highest average in over a decade. HBO Max's hockey-themed series "Heated Rivalry" averaged 10.6 million viewers per episode, indicating strong cultural momentum. International hockey events continue to attract high ratings, such as the 2025 "4 Nations Face-Off" final drawing 9.3 million viewers.
This negotiation will reveal how major media companies value non-NFL sports rights in the current market environment. For investors, the size of the new media rights deal directly affects NHL revenue growth and financial performance going forward.
Informational only, not financial advice. Content is AI-generated and may contain errors. How this works.
Our take
Opinion from the Newsstocks AI desk, not investment adviceWe think the NHL's target of a 50%-100% increase shows confidence in its growing audience and media value. However, uncertainty remains about whether media companies will meet these demands. The strong viewership figures provide a solid argument for the NHL, but negotiations could still face challenges. The final deal size will be crucial for the league's future revenue trajectory.
Key numbers
- Current media rights deal value
- $4.5 billion
- Rights fees increase desired
- 50% to 100%
- Percentage of revenue from media rights
- 13%
- Stanley Cup average viewership
- 5.2 million
What could help
- Record high playoff and Stanley Cup viewership supports higher media rights fees.
- Growing audience for NHL content on multiple platforms suggests expanding fan interest.
What could hurt
- It is unclear whether media partners will agree to the NHL's desired fee increase.
- Competition from other sports and entertainment options could limit rights fee growth.
What to watch next
The NHL will formally begin new media rights negotiations with Disney/ESPN and Skydance on January 1.
The background
Media rights deals allow sports leagues to earn revenue by selling broadcast and streaming rights to their games. These deals significantly impact league revenues and growth.
Questions readers ask
When will the NHL start new media rights negotiations?
The NHL will formally begin new media rights deal talks with Disney/ESPN and Skydance on January 1.
What is the value of the current NHL media rights deal?
The current media rights deal signed in 2021 was worth $4.5 billion for seven years.
How much increase in media rights fees is the NHL seeking?
The NHL wants an increase between 50% and 100% over its current rights fees in the new deal.
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