Rodgers extends NHL Canada's $7.7 billion contract for 12 years

News: Rogers renews NHL rights in Canada with 12-year, $7.7 billion deal
Sources have reported that Rogers has signed a new 12-year, $7.7 billion deal to broadcast NHL games in Canada. The deal comes as Rogers’ current 12-year, $5.2 billion deal with the NHL expires after the 2025-2026 season.

Deal details:

The deal, reported by Sportico, is up for a vote by league owners this week for final approval.

Rogers, which owns Sportsnet, was expected to face stiff competition from companies like Amazon for the rights. Amazon is currently in the first year of a two-year deal to broadcast NHL games on Monday nights in Canada on its Prime service.

Reactions and Analysis:

Michael Narin, a Brock University professor of sports management, believes the deal reflects the Rovers’ strategy to control the future of NHL broadcasts in Canada and act as a “gatekeeper” against the entry of streaming platforms.

Rovers CEO Tony Staffieri confirmed in May that the company is looking to extend its contract with the NHL.

Economic Impact:

The deal represents a new source of revenue for the NHL, especially with the salary cap increasing.

League Commissioner Gary Bettman recently expressed concern that new U.S. sanctions on Canada and a weakening Canadian dollar could impact Canadian teams’ revenue.

Background:

The NHL’s current contract with ESPN and Turner Sports in the U.S., which runs through 2021, is worth seven years and $4.5 billion.

There have also been concerns about the impact of Trump’s tariffs on NHL jersey production in Canada.