Canadians are expressing shock and disappointment following the announcement that CBC will no longer broadcast NHL games as part of its iconic Hockey Night in Canada program. This marks the end of a nearly 75-year tradition on the public broadcaster, which first televised NHL games in 1952.
The decision stems from the expiration of a sublicensing agreement between CBC and Rogers Sportsnet, the current national rights-holder for the NHL in Canada. Rogers recently secured a new 12-year broadcast deal with the NHL worth approximately $11 billion, which begins in October. Despite the CBC retaining ownership of the Hockey Night in Canada brand, the absence of NHL games on its airwaves signifies a significant cultural shift for many Canadians.
Canadians took to social media to voice their dismay, with many describing the situation as "devastating" and the "end of an era". The cultural impact of Hockey Night in Canada has been immense, with generations of Canadians growing up with the program as a Saturday night staple. While CBC plans to launch a new Saturday night show to highlight Canadian athletes, the loss of live NHL broadcasts on the public network marks a poignant moment in Canadian sports history. Sportsnet has stated it will continue to deliver NHL games on Saturday nights, maintaining the tradition for viewers, though it will now require a subscription to its Sportsnet Plus service.
