NCHC Hired Media Rights Representative
The collegiate hockey conference tapped Collegiate Sports Management Group to negotiate its next broadcast deal.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Hockey
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The National Collegiate Hockey Conference has selected Collegiate Sports Management Group as its media rights representative. This partnership aims to secure a new broadcast agreement as the conference prepares for the future.
Why it matters
The conference engaged the firm to professionally evaluate and market its linear television, streaming, digital, and mobile rights. This move positions the league to maximize its visibility and revenue with major networks and technology companies.
CSMG has negotiated over $650 million in total broadcast deals throughout its history. NCHC member schools collectively received $1.19 million in profit from their streaming platform during the 2025 fiscal year.
The players
National Collegiate Hockey Conference
The NCHC is a premier collegiate hockey conference in the United States that has won eight NCAA hockey championships in the last 10 years.
Collegiate Sports Management Group
CSMG is a specialized firm that provides management and marketing services for collegiate athletic conferences and institutions.
The details
CSMG will be responsible for valuing and marketing all media assets across multiple platforms to potential linear and digital partners. The conference, which now includes 10 member schools following the recent addition of St. Thomas, will leverage this expertise to navigate the evolving media landscape.
Timeline
2011 marked the founding year of the NCHC.
2024 saw Arizona State join the conference as its ninth member.
2025 was the fiscal year when member schools received $1.19 million in streaming profits.
2026-27 season is when the current media rights agreement concludes.
Season Trajectory
This partnership reflects a broader strategic shift within college hockey as conferences look to increase their market footprint through specialized media rights management. By formalizing this relationship, the NCHC aims to strengthen its competitive standing as it prepares for the next negotiation cycle.
The conference's push for new media deals could lead to broader accessibility of games across linear and digital platforms for viewers. These negotiations will determine the future distribution channels and subscription structures for fans following the 10 member schools.
The takeaway
Securing a professional media partner helps ensure that smaller leagues remain competitive in a crowded sports broadcast market. Colleges and conferences that leverage expert valuation often see improved long-term financial outcomes for their athletic departments.
Further reading
For more background on the collegiate hockey landscape, visit Hockey.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sportsbusinessjournal.
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