The NHL will no longer air on CBC after the pulic broadcasters and national rights-holder Rogers Sportsnet were unable to come to agreement.
“After a successful 12-year partnership,” said the announcement, “Sportsnet and CBC today announced the public broadcaster will no longer carry NHL broadcasts after the current season as it moves forward with a new sports programming strategy following the unprecedented success of the Milano/Cortina Olympic Games.”
“Watching hockey on Saturday night is a time-honoured tradition for Canadians, and Sportsnet is privileged to continue delivering that tradition, the statement continues. “This has been a terrific partnership, and both parties look forward to continued opportunities to collaborate in the future.”
In its place, CBC will launch a new Saturday night prime time show on CBC and streaming on CBC Gem, featuring Canadian athletes competing at home and at the biggest events around the world.
The CBC began airing Hockey Night in Canada on television in 1952 and held exclusive Saturday night rights through the 2013-14 season. Over the 12 years since, CBC continued to carry games through a cross-licensing partnership with Sportsnet.
Sportsnet will air all Saturday games moving forward as part of a new 12-year broadcast deal with the NHL that begins next season.