There was significant news in the National Hockey League on Wednesday, as the NHL announced a new global streaming deal with DAZN. However, the new agreement will not impact the NHL’s current agreements in North America and parts of Europe, as the NHL games on DAZN will not be available in Canada, the United States, Sweden, Finland, Norway and Denmark according to Jacob Punturi of Sports Illustrated.
Still, it is not a bad thing to see the NHL stretch out its product. The game will be available to viewers in 200 additional countries.
Fans not satisfied with Sportsnet+ in Canada
Earlier this month Sportsnet announced a 30% increase to the Sportsnet+ Premium Package, and a 25% increase to its standard package according to Keith Maimann of CBC News. Several Sportsnet viewers have cancelled their subscription as a result. The price increase for premium package has gone from $249.99 to $324.99 plus tax, while the standard package has gone from $199.99 to $249.99. The premium package allowed Canadian hockey fans to watch many NHL games via the Sportsnet website. The alterations will be in effect as of September 9.
What sports can Canadians see on DAZN?
DAZN has had an extensive soccer contract in Canada over the years. Canadians were able to watch the English Premier League on the streaming service from 2019 to 2022, and are now able to watch FIFA World Cup Qualifying, the UEFA Nations League, the UEFA Champions League, and Bundesliga. Viewers have also been able to see the NFL, Ultimate Fighting Championship, boxing, snooker, fishing, handball, 3×3 basketball, rugby, WTA tennis, skateboarding, and the Major League Baseball Network.
Streaming services taking over Worldwide Sports
Sports fans have been able to watch a lot of sports on television over the years. Hockey Night in Canada on the CBC was a staple in Canadian culture for decades, and remains the principal program on Rogers Sportsnet. However, as streaming services generate momentum, television viewing for sports has decreased. It is interesting to see the NHL’s global commitment to bring hockey to as many viewers as possible. It will be equally interesting to see a statistical analysis of the global viewership for the NHL DAZN’s coverage, and if fans from non-traditional hockey markets start watching hockey in larger numbers. The NHL’s other goal here will be to encourage players to play the game more.
