Diamond Sports Group, a subsidiary of Sinclair Broadcast Group, has announced a multi-year renewal of its digital distribution rights agreement with the National Hockey League (NHL).
Under the provisions of the agreement, the company will continue to offer streaming content, including live games, on an authenticated and direct-to-consumer basis, to the local territories of 12 NHL teams.
“We are incredibly proud to continue to partner with the NHL, with which we have had a long and successful relationship, to bring the fast pace and excitement of hockey to local fans across the country,” commented Chris Ripley, Sinclair Broadcast Group’s President and Chief Executive Officer.
Teams included in the agreement include the Anaheim Ducks, Arizona Coyotes, Carolina Hurricanes, Columbus Blue Jackets, Dallas Stars, Detroit Red Wings, Florida Panthers, Los Angeles Kings, Minnesota Wild, Nashville Predators, St. Louis Blues, and Tampa Bay Lightning.
Ripley continued: “Our announcement today signifies the importance that both parties place on the ability for sports viewers to consume content whenever and however they choose.
“The advent of a DTC model will further enhance flexibility for viewers, as well as offer them a highly-personalised and engaging experience, with functionality and interactivity well beyond what is offered today.”
The deal was extended in a bid to feature post-game highlights on Sinclair’s digital news platforms, alternative feeds, and use the NHL’s Puck and Player Tracking data in its broadcasts.
In recent months, Sky Deutschland acquired the German broadcasting rights for the NHL until 2025. This collaboration meant that Sky would televise 300 live matches for each of the next four seasons – the majority of which airing on the Comcast-owned network in Germany.
This coverage included regular season games, as well as matches during the Stanley Cup playoffs and finals, as well as other events such as the NHL Winter Classic and All-Star Game.
