The world of Canadian hockey broadcasting is undergoing a significant shift, and it's a change that will impact fans' wallets. As the dust settles on one of the most thrilling playoff runs for the Montreal Canadiens in recent memory, the future of watching their games is looking increasingly uncertain and expensive.
The End of an Era
The iconic 'Hockey Night in Canada' on CBC-TV, a staple since 1952, is no more. This announcement, made by Sportsnet and CBC, signals a new era in Canadian hockey broadcasting, one that will likely be defined by increased costs for fans.
The Cost of Watching
For those who want to continue watching the Canadiens, especially on Saturday nights and during the playoffs, a subscription to Sportsnet is now a necessity. This move is part of Rogers' new 12-year deal with the NHL, a $11 billion commitment that will see all NHL games in Canada broadcast on their platforms. The previous deal, which ran from 2014 to this season, saw Rogers pay $5.2 billion for similar rights.
What's more, the future of French-language broadcasts is also uncertain. TVA Sports, which has been broadcasting Saturday night games and all playoff games since 2014, has reportedly lost over $197 million on the deal. With negotiations ongoing, it's unclear if they will continue to carry Canadiens games, and if they do, at what cost to viewers.
A Changing Landscape
The shift in broadcasting rights is part of a broader trend in sports media. With the success of the Milano/Cortina Olympic Games, Sportsnet is looking to capitalize on this momentum. However, this also means that fans will likely see more games on different streaming platforms, adding to the complexity and cost of watching their favorite teams.
The Impact on Fans
For French-speaking Habs fans, the situation is even more dire. The deal between Rogers and Bell Media, which owns RDS, has reduced the number of games RDS will broadcast to 45, down from 60. This leaves 39 Canadiens games without a confirmed French-language broadcaster for next season.
The future of watching the Canadiens is uncertain, and it's a future that will likely be more expensive. As a fan, I find it disheartening that the cost of supporting your team is rising, especially after such an exhilarating playoff run. It's a trend that seems to be going against the spirit of sportsmanship and accessibility.
