NHL on ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN+, ABC, and Hulu
Exclusive Coverage Begins October 8
The Walt Disney Company has announced that it will exclusively broadcast 100 National Hockey League (NHL) games across ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN+, ABC, and Hulu beginning October 8, 2021.
This marks the first time that the NHL will be exclusively available on a single media company in the United States.
The NHL season will begin with a doubleheader on ESPN and ESPN+ on October 12, featuring the defending Stanley Cup champion Colorado Avalanche hosting the Chicago Blackhawks and the New York Rangers hosting the Washington Capitals.
ESPN will televise 25 regular-season games, including 13 on ESPN and 12 on ESPN2. ESPN+ will stream 75 regular-season games, including all out-of-market games.
ABC will televise three exclusive NHL games during the regular season, including the NHL Winter Classic on January 1, 2022, from Target Field in Minneapolis.
Hulu will stream all ESPN and ESPN2 NHL games live, as well as select ESPN+ games.
"We are thrilled to bring the NHL to ESPN and our other platforms," said ESPN President Jimmy Pitaro. "The NHL is one of the most exciting and dynamic leagues in sports, and we are confident that our coverage will provide fans with an unparalleled viewing experience."
"We are excited to partner with ESPN on this historic agreement," said NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. "ESPN is a world-class media company with a proven track record of success in sports broadcasting. We believe that this partnership will help us grow the game of hockey in the United States."
The NHL on ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN+, ABC, and Hulu will feature a variety of programming, including live games, studio shows, and documentaries.
The NHL is the fourth major professional sports league to sign an exclusive media rights deal with ESPN in recent years, following the NFL, MLB, and UFC.
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