DIRECTV Secures Broadcast Rights for Four NHL Teams

2026-10-26 companies

El Segundo, Sunday, 25 October 2026.
DIRECTV has expanded its sports portfolio through a multiyear NHL agreement, securing local broadcasts for four teams and bringing its total coverage to 76 major U.S. sports franchises.

Expansion of DIRECTV’s NHL Portfolio

DIRECTV has significantly expanded its regional sports network coverage through a multiyear carriage agreement with the National Hockey League (NHL), securing local broadcast rights for four additional franchises. Effective as of October 24, 2026, the deal brings regional game telecasts for the Minnesota Wild, Carolina Hurricanes, Columbus Blue Jackets, and St. Louis Blues to DIRECTV’s satellite and streaming platforms [1][2][3][5]. The agreement underscores a strategic pivot in regional sports broadcasting, where traditional pay-TV operators are reinforcing their linear sports portfolios amid the fragmentation of regional sports networks (RSNs) across the U.S. [1][2][3].

Regional Coverage and Access Details

Subscribers in each team’s designated home territory—spanning the Midwest and Southern U.S.—will gain access to live regional games on DIRECTV’s satellite and digital platforms, including integrated services such as the Blues’ Blue Note+, the Hurricanes Hockey Network, the Blue Jackets Hockey Network, and the Wild+ channel [1][2][3][5]. The channels will be available to DIRECTV streaming and satellite customers who subscribe to the Choice package or higher, while U-verse customers must subscribe to the U200 package or above to access the content [1][2][3][5].

Channel Availability and Game Integration

The regional channels will be accessible on specific channel numbers tailored to each platform and team. For example, Minnesota Wild games will air on channel 668 for DIRECTV streaming customers, 668-1 for satellite customers, and channels 1745/745 for U-verse [1][3][5]. The Columbus Blue Jackets Hockey Network will be available on channel 660 (streaming), 660-1 (satellite), and 1735/735 (U-verse), with coverage beginning with the team’s October 24, 2026, game against the Vegas Golden Knights [2][5]. Similarly, St. Louis Blues games will be broadcast on channel 673 (streaming and satellite) and 1747/747 (U-verse), starting with the October 25, 2026, matchup against the Carolina Hurricanes [3][5].

Strategic Implications and Industry Context

The multiyear agreement not only enhances DIRECTV’s regional sports offerings but also highlights the evolving dynamics of local sports broadcasting. DIRECTV now provides regional or local rights to 76 of the 81 U.S.-based NHL, NBA, and MLB franchises, including 23 U.S. hockey teams, reinforcing its position as a dominant player in sports distribution [1][3][5]. The move comes at a time when traditional RSNs face financial and operational challenges, prompting teams and leagues to seek alternative distribution channels to ensure fan accessibility [1][alert! ‘Industry analysts note that RSN fragmentation has accelerated since 2023, with several networks facing bankruptcy or restructuring’].

Reactions from Key Stakeholders

NHL and DIRECTV executives hailed the agreement as a win for fans and the league alike. David Proper, the NHL’s Chief Media Officer and Senior Executive Vice President, emphasized the importance of making it easier for fans to follow their teams, stating, “We’re thrilled that fans of the Carolina Hurricanes, Columbus Blue Jackets, Minnesota Wild, and St. Louis Blues can now watch their favorite team on DIRECTV in their local market” [1][3][5]. Rob Thun, DIRECTV’s Chief Content Officer, echoed this sentiment, noting the company’s commitment to providing fans with greater choice and flexibility in how they consume sports content [1][3][5].

Sources

Sports broadcasting Regional media