Gary Bettman Defended NHL Broadcast Accessibility
The NHL commissioner addressed fan concerns regarding regional blackouts and the growing number of required streaming platforms.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Hockey
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NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman defended the accessibility of league broadcasts during a recent podcast appearance. His comments followed criticism from fans regarding regional blackouts and the fragmented landscape of required sports subscriptions.
Why it matters
The league is navigating a shift toward digital-first viewing experiences to satisfy fan demand for more accessible regional content. This strategy aims to balance traditional broadcast reach with the evolving habits of modern sports consumers.
Beginning in the 2026-27 season, Prime Video will serve as the exclusive local streaming home for 6 NHL teams. Individual clubs retain the authority to set their own subscription pricing and service structures.
The players
Gary Bettman
He is the Commissioner of the National Hockey League and has led the organization since 1993.
Prime Video
This is a subscription-based video streaming service owned and operated by Amazon.
The details
During an appearance on The Eye Test Podcast, Gary Bettman addressed industry challenges regarding broadcast accessibility and the frustration surrounding regional blackouts. Prime Video will carry regular-season games along with pregame and postgame coverage for the Carolina Hurricanes, Anaheim Ducks, Columbus Blue Jackets, Dallas Stars, Minnesota Wild, and St. Louis Blues.
Timeline
The exclusive local streaming arrangement on Prime Video begins during the 2026-27 season.
Season Trajectory
This deal signals a strategic shift as the NHL moves away from traditional cable dependency toward targeted digital platforms. By securing local streaming rights for six teams, the league is testing a model that could eventually redefine how fans across all markets access live games.
Fans of the six participating teams will need to transition from traditional cable or existing regional sports networks to Prime Video for local broadcasts starting in 2026. This shift will require households to manage a new subscription specifically for their local team's regular-season coverage.
The takeaway
The move to streaming reflects the broader effort to modernize how professional sports are delivered to the digital consumer. Fans should prepare for a future where local game access is increasingly tied to individual digital platform subscriptions rather than cable packages.
Further reading
For more on the changing landscape of professional hockey, visit the Hockey section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sportskeeda.
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