The NHL Is Returning To ESPN

On March 10th, a historic seven-year deal was made between The Walt Disney Company, ESPN, and the National Hockey League. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman stated that this is a “big win” because the NHL will not only “benefit from the incomparable power, reach and influence of The Walt Disney Company and ABC/ESPN, it sets a new standard in delivering our game to the most passionate and tech-savvy fans in sports in the ways they now demand and on the platforms they use.” (ESPN.com) This new television streaming and media rights deal will begin at the start of the 2021-22 season through the 2027-28 season. The New York Times reported that, “Financial terms were not announced, but according to two people familiar with the details, Disney will pay the N.H.L. an average of about $400 million annually.”

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