NHL to produce broadcasts for four teams in 2026-27
A few teams in the league will have new setups for their in-house broadcasts next year.
On Tuesday, the National Hockey League announced that NHL Productions will be producing regional broadcasts for the Carolina Hurricanes, Columbus Blue Jackets, Minnesota Wild and St. Louis Blues for the 2026-27 season.
In a release, Steve Mayer, NHL President of events and content, stated that the move to include regional broadcasts for NHL Productions will create more economic opportunities for the teams, along with greater flexibility for distribution partners.
“Our Emmy Award-winning production team has a long track record of delivering world-class content and unforgettable fan experiences,” Mayer said. “Adding live production capabilities is a natural next step, allowing us to introduce groundbreaking technologies, innovative graphics and bold creative concepts that will bring fans even closer to the NHL.”
With the announcement, the NHL has hired Rob McGlarry to lead the efforts as general manager of local media.
The Hurricanes, Blue Jackets, Wild and Blues have had their games broadcast on regional FanDuel Sports Network (formerly known as Bally Sports and FOX Sports Network) for the last couple of decades. However, after many of the FDSN affiliates ceased operations following the regular season, the franchises have been forced to find new ways to broadcast games in the future. Other teams have moved away from the standard RSNs in recent years, with the Vegas Golden Knights creating their own network after the dissolution of AT&T Sports, and the Seattle Kraken, Pittsburgh Penguins and Detroit Red Wings also moving to new platforms.
The release also stated that new teams could be added to the NHL’s production plans for next season. Reports recently came out that the Anaheim Ducks will terminate their agreement with Victory+, which also streams Dallas Stars regional broadcasts, amid financing concerns.
With the NHL in control of the four teams’ broadcasts, there will be insightful pregame, intermission and postgame shows with on-site hosts and announcers for all games, NHL-level infrastructure – which includes experienced tech crews, unique camera angles and more – and premium game production.