A 12‑Year Partnership with TVA Sports
The NHL has confirmed a twelve‑year French‑language broadcasting arrangement that names TVA Sports as the primary rights holder across Canada. The agreement, announced on Thursday, runs through the 2037‑38 season and guarantees up to 350 regular‑season games per year, including 32 Montreal Canadiens matches – a rise from 22 the previous year. TVA Sports and its streaming arm, TVA Sports Direct, will retain exclusive French‑language rights for every Habs playoff contest.
Expanded Coverage for the Canadiens
Under the new terms, the Canadiens will appear on French television 32 times during the regular season, up from 22 in the last cycle. The remaining 45 league games will be broadcast by Bell Media’s RDS, a reduction from the 60 games it carried previously as the NHL trims its schedule to 84 contests. In addition, Amazon’s Prime Video will stream seven Canadiens games in French, marking the first time the e‑commerce giant features NHL content in the language.
Amazon’s New Role in French‑Language Streaming
Amazon Prime Video’s involvement represents a fresh entry point for viewers who prefer digital platforms. The seven games it will broadcast are part of the broader 350‑game package, ensuring that a significant portion of the Canadiens’ schedule remains accessible in French across both traditional television and online streaming services.
Financial Backdrop of the Rights Deal
Rogers Communications secured a 12‑year, $11 billion national broadcast contract last year, which allowed it to sub‑license portions of its package, including the French‑language rights now handed to TVA Sports. That deal more than doubles the value of the previous rights agreement, which was worth $5.2 billion over the same period and expired after the 2024‑25 season. Quebecor had earlier paid in excess of $700 million for a twelve‑year term that made TVA Sports the official French‑language broadcaster before this latest arrangement.
Implications for the Hockey Landscape
The expansion of French‑language coverage is expected to deepen the connection between the NHL and its francophone fan base, particularly in Quebec. By guaranteeing a higher volume of Canadiens games and preserving playoff rights, the league aims to sustain viewership and advertising revenue in a market that has historically been underserved by English‑dominant broadcasters. The involvement of both traditional TV and digital platforms also reflects the evolving nature of sports consumption, as audiences increasingly shift between linear and streaming services.
Why It Matters
This landmark agreement not only reshapes the broadcasting map for French‑speaking hockey fans but also underscores the growing economic power of the Canadian market within the NHL’s global strategy. By securing a longer‑term, higher‑value deal, the league signals confidence in the sustainability of French‑language interest, while the participation of major players like Amazon and Rogers highlights a broader trend toward multiplatform distribution that could influence how other leagues approach linguistic diversity in the years ahead.
