TORONTO — As you know by now, Rogers and the NHL have a new rights agreement. There’s one season remaining on the current contract, so 13 more to come on Sportsnet.
God knows how long I’ll get to be a part of it, but there are (at least) two special things about being a part of this broadcast team.
First, we are very, very lucky to witness spectacular events and accomplishments: Stanley Cups, Olympic hockey, the recent 4 Nations bonanza. There is nothing more captivating than watching the elite of the elite hone their skills, practise their craft, compete to win.
Second is the people you work with. Some you know: the ones in front of the camera. Many you don’t: our outstanding production/technical crews performing the herculean task of getting us on the air each night. (They refer to announcers as “poodles.”)
Many of us have worked together for years. There are the fun times when we mercilessly give it to each other over dinner or on a walk to the rink. When it’s time to work, not much needs to be said. We know each others’ likes and dislikes, strengths and weaknesses. Years into their careers, they remain driven and determined. That doesn’t go away.
Others are younger, newer. From generation to generation, one thing never changes: The ones who rise are eager, ambitious and demanding of themselves — bringing fresh ideas on how to do things.
Everyone at Sportsnet is excited. We all want to be a part of this, and we want to deliver the best to our audience. We take that responsibility very seriously.
“Hockey is Canada’s game, and we’re proud to be the home of hockey,” said Rogers President and CEO Tony Staffieri.
The number one question asked (to me, anyway) on social media was about blackouts. The days of blackouts are coming to an end in all sports across North America. I can’t say how quickly, but you can see the trend.
“We secured the opportunity to take more of the regional games that Sportsnet has and convert them to national games,” said Rogers Sports and Media President Colette Watson. “That means fewer blackouts.”
“We are particularly excited that through this agreement, we’ll bring more live games to more fans across Canada,” said NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman.
Currently, we split Toronto’s regionals with TSN, while exclusively carrying Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver. We also acquired 10 more Ottawa and 10 more Winnipeg games than in the current contract, which would take effect in 2026-27.
The exact number of games switched from regional to national will be revealed when Sportsnet announces its schedule ahead of each season.
Still to be determined is the French-language rightsholder (currently TVA) and the possibility of selling one “national” night to a third party. Amazon purchased its “Prime Monday Night Hockey” package for this season and next from Sportsnet. CBC’s future as a carrier will also be discussed.
“It is the longest running program in the history of television in Canada, and I’m certain that our friends at Rogers will make the right decisions and have the right discussions with the people at CBC,” Bettman said.
The media conference was Wednesday morning, and a lot of satisfied people walked out of the studio where it was held. It wasn’t long before the attitude began to change. Looming large was an important broadcast: Florida/Toronto on Wednesday Night Hockey. Big one in the Atlantic Division.
You can celebrate for a few minutes, but there’s always work to do. We’re going to do everything we can to deliver what you want.
