In a significant shift for Canadian sports broadcasting, Hockey Night in Canada (HNIC), a cherished institution for nearly 75 years on CBC, will no longer air on the public broadcaster following the current season. The decision comes after the expiration of a sub-licensing agreement between Rogers Communications and CBC, which had allowed HNIC to be part of the network’s programming. As of the 2026-27 season, the iconic programme will transition to a new model, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s sports landscape.
The End of an Era
Hockey Night in Canada has long been synonymous with Saturday nights for millions of Canadians. Since its debut on television in 1952, it has provided a platform for unforgettable moments and has been a staple in homes across the country. The recent joint announcement by Sportsnet and CBC confirmed the end of their partnership, which has been in place since Rogers acquired a 12-year, $11-billion broadcasting rights deal with the NHL. The statement noted, “Watching hockey on Saturday night is a time-honoured tradition for Canadians, and Sportsnet is privileged to continue delivering that tradition.”
While the CBC will retain the HNIC brand, the programme will no longer be available through the public broadcaster—a first in its history. Michael McKinley, author of *Hockey Night in Canada: 60 Seasons*, expressed his disbelief at the news, stating, “I can’t imagine it. I don’t want to imagine it.”
New Programming Strategies for CBC
In response to the changing landscape, the CBC has unveiled plans for a new Saturday night prime-time show aimed at showcasing Canadian athletes on both domestic and international stages. This new programming will cover a wide array of sports, including the 2026 Commonwealth Games and various women’s professional leagues, as well as over 20 major world championships. The CBC’s commitment to highlighting Canadian sports remains robust, even as it pivots away from hockey.
The Partnership Shift
The collaboration between Rogers and CBC began in earnest when the telecom giant secured a $5.2-billion rights deal in 2013, leading to significant changes in how hockey was broadcast across Canada. The initial sub-licensing agreement allowed HNIC to flourish under CBC’s auspices while benefiting from Sportsnet’s production capabilities and editorial control. This partnership not only maintained the tradition of Saturday night hockey but also expanded its reach, ensuring that millions of Canadians could tune in each week.
Over the years, HNIC consistently ranked among the top television programmes in Canada, attracting an average of 7.5 million viewers weekly. The traditional broadcasts were supplemented by streaming options via the CBC website and various Rogers platforms, allowing fans to engage with the content in diverse ways.
Despite the end of the HNIC partnership, CBC remains a crucial player in the sports broadcasting arena, having previously entered into streaming agreements with platforms like Amazon Prime Video to expand the reach of hockey games.
Why it Matters
The conclusion of HNIC’s run on CBC marks not just the end of a beloved programme but also signifies a broader transformation in Canadian sports media. The shift reflects changing viewer habits and the increasing influence of digital platforms in how audiences consume sports. For many, Saturday nights without HNIC on CBC will feel like a void, as the programme has been interwoven into the fabric of Canadian culture for generations. Moving forward, both CBC and Sportsnet face the challenge of capturing the essence of this iconic tradition while adapting to a new broadcasting landscape, ensuring that hockey remains a vital part of Canada’s sporting narrative.
