NHL seeks up to 100% increase in TV rights fees from ESPN, TNT and potential new partners

The NHL is seeking a 50% to 100% increase in television rights fees as it prepares to negotiate new deals with ESPN and TNT, with exclusive talks due to open early next year. Renewals appear to have mutual interest, and the league can point to rising viewership and recent increases secured by the NFL and NBA.

TNT’s new owner, Skydance, has said it will be disciplined in bidding, while the NFL may also press another Skydance-owned broadcaster, CBS, for higher fees. The NHL could seek a third partner: Netflix has been suggested for major events such as the 4 Nations Face-Off and Winter Classic, while Amazon Prime Video is seen as a likely candidate for a weekly streaming package. The league offers about nine months of live programming, though its regular-season audiences often trail other major sports.