I have a few thoughts about the media rights deals if the NHL does business soon:
- No more blackouts. Non-negotiable. That includes local blackouts and NHL Network exclusive games
- The NHL app (similar to NFL app) needs a way to login to your ESPN and TNT subscriptions so you can watch games in one place
- World Juniors rights need to be acquired by one of these partners
- Amazon Prime deal needs exposure to the US. Missing Thursday night Coast to Coast makes no sense to American hockey fans
- NHL needs more games on linear ESPN and ABC
- If a WBD/Paramount deal goes through NHL needs to have games on both Paramount and CBS
Some simple fixes go a long way. The play for the NHL should not be max revenue, but max reach. Their highest viewed games trail the NFL, NBA, and MLB significantly
Owners and League only care about $$ though. I think having a third streaming partner (Prime, Netflix, Apple TV) would also be of value in the current climate
But it’s mostly just making sure it’s easy to watch all the games in one place. That’s all fans truly care about
NHL reportedly approaching ESPN, TNT Sports about early media rights renewals
dlvr.it/TQtZtt