Prime Video and the National Hockey League have officially announced a groundbreaking multi-year partnership, making Prime Video the designated exclusive local streaming platform for six prominent NHL franchises within their respective regional broadcast territories. This strategic alliance represents a significant expansion of sports content available on the streaming service.
Under the terms of this new agreement, Prime Video will become the exclusive digital home for the Carolina Hurricanes, reigning Stanley Cup champions, alongside the Anaheim Ducks, Columbus Blue Jackets, Dallas Stars, Minnesota Wild, and St. Louis Blues. This builds upon Prime Video's previous acquisition of local streaming rights for the Seattle Kraken, further solidifying its presence in professional hockey. The multi-year deal is set to commence with the 2026-27 NHL season, which is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, September 29th, notably featuring a matchup between the Florida Panthers, winners of the 2024 and 2025 Stanley Cups, and the Carolina Hurricanes.
David Proper, the NHL's Chief Media Officer and Senior Executive Vice President, emphasized the league's commitment to fan access, stating that this collaboration with Prime Video provides clubs with the necessary flexibility to meet evolving market demands and ensure fans can easily connect with their favorite teams. Beyond these exclusive team rights, Prime Video maintains agreements with various regional sports networks that broadcast NHL games, including CHSN (Chicago Blackhawks), MSG Networks (New York Rangers, New Jersey Devils, New York Islanders), and NESN (Boston Bruins). For fans located outside a team's designated regional market, out-of-market games will continue to be accessible through NHL Center Ice or via streaming on ESPN+.
This partnership underscores the dynamic shift in sports broadcasting towards digital platforms, offering fans more diverse and accessible ways to engage with live athletic events. It represents a forward-thinking approach by both the NHL and Prime Video to adapt to contemporary viewing habits, ensuring that the passion and excitement of hockey are brought directly to a wider audience through innovative streaming solutions. This move not only enhances fan experience but also solidifies the position of streaming services as key players in the future of sports media.
