NHL, Turner Sports Reach Seven-Year Media Rights Agreement; Deal Includes Stanley Cup Final on TNT, All NHL Winter Classics

With the simple stroke of a pen, the National Hockey League is officially coming to Turner Sports. Set to begin with the 2021-22 season, the two parties reached a multi-faceted, seven-year agreement that will bring the Stanley Cup Final and Stanley Cup Playoffs to TNT and TBS for the first time, up to 72 regular season game, and the NHL Winter Classic each season.

“This agreement with the National Hockey League brings one of the most prestigious championships in sports to TNT and fuels our entire Turner Sports and Bleacher Report portfolio with even more premium content for many years to come,” says Jeff Zucker, Chairman, WarnerMedia News & Sports. “We’re delighted to spotlight the world’s best hockey league on our leading networks, while continuing to further elevate this marquee property through an ever-expanding array of digital platforms in the years to come.”

The agreement is highlighted by TNT crowning a champion through its exclusive live coverage of the Stanley Cup Final in three of the seven years; half of the Stanley Cup Playoffs each year (half of the Conference Finals, First, and Second Round games); and rights to up to 72 exclusive national regular season games each season. Additionally, TNT will exclusively present the NHL Winter Classic each year, among other live events.

“Turner Sports is known for its outstanding sports coverage, quality and innovation and we are thrilled that this new partnership will provide our fans with the content they love on the platforms and devices of their choice,” says NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. “TNT is a proven and acclaimed destination for sports fans and we will also benefit from the deep connection Bleacher Report has with young digital-savvy fans. Having WarnerMedia join the NHL family as co-rightsholders for the next seven years gives us incredible reach, positions us well for the future as the media landscape continues to evolve, and will fuel continued growth for the NHL and our Clubs.”

The multimedia agreement between Turner Sports and the National Hockey League includes live streaming and digital rights across WarnerMedia – including HBO Max – and a wide spectrum of screens and platforms such as mobile, web, tablets and connected devices.

Digital Innovation:

• Live streaming and simulcast rights for HBO Max
• Turner Sports will have TV Everywhere rights that will allow its networks to make its NHL games and related programming available to authenticated subscribers across all WarnerMedia platforms
• Expansive digital and highlight rights for Bleacher Report
• Through its transformative partnership with the NHL, Turner Sports and Bleacher Report will have the ability to create ancillary programming, events and bespoke digital experiences for the next generation of hockey fans.