NHL to Launch Monday Night Hockey for European Viewers
The league is scheduling 11 games for European primetime windows throughout the 2026-27 season.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Hockey
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Beginning November 30, 2026, the National Hockey League will debut a new broadcast initiative to bring live games to European audiences during Monday primetime. The 2026-27 season program features 11 games that will face off in the afternoon across North America and during evening hours in Europe.
Why it matters
The initiative aims to provide international fans with consistent access to live hockey matches in a convenient weeknight broadcast window. By aligning game times with European peak viewing hours, the league seeks to expand its reach and engagement across international markets.
The initiative includes 11 total Monday broadcasts featuring 16 different NHL clubs throughout the 2026-27 season. These games will occur during European evening hours while taking place in the afternoon across North American time zones.
The players
National Hockey League
The professional ice hockey organization that operates as the premier league for the sport in North America and manages international broadcast distribution.
ITV
A prominent British television network serving as one of the key international media partners for the league's new broadcast series.
The details
International media partners including ITV, NovaAction, STAR, Sky Sport, Dajto, TV6, MySports, and Premier Sport will facilitate these broadcasts. The program is designed specifically to capture the European primetime market by shifting away from traditional North American viewing times.
Timeline
The NHL Monday Night Hockey broadcast series begins on November 30, 2026.
The initiative will continue throughout the duration of the 2026-27 season.
Season Trajectory
This program follows the strategic pattern set by the NHL's Global Series international expansion initiatives to build a European fanbase. By securing consistent weekly primetime slots, the league is testing a new model for maintaining season-long international relevance.
European fans will now have 11 set opportunities to watch live NHL games during local evening primetime hours. This shift allows international viewers to follow the 2026-27 season without needing to accommodate overnight or early morning scheduling.
The takeaway
This broadcast expansion highlights a growing commitment to the international hockey market by adjusting league schedules to meet global demand. Fans in Europe should check their local listings for the specific regional network carrying the matches in their country.
What happens next
The first broadcast of the Monday Night Hockey series is scheduled to take place on November 30, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on the latest league developments, visit the Hockey section.
Live Poll
Should sports leagues prioritize reaching international audiences over maintaining local broadcast traditions?
