NHL starts local broadcast operation with four teams for 2026-2027 season - Awful Announcing

What the report says

Awful Announcing reported that the NHL plans to launch its centralized local broadcast operation in the 2026-27 season with four clubs: the Carolina Hurricanes, Columbus Blue Jackets, Minnesota Wild and St. Louis Blues. The report, citing Sports Business Journal, says the group includes teams affected by the closure of Main Street Sports Group, which operated the FanDuel-branded regional sports networks.

The move comes as major U.S. sports leagues respond to the weakening regional sports network model. According to Awful Announcing, the NHL has created a production unit intended to support local game broadcasts, with the potential to combine direct league-managed access for fans with local over-the-air distribution in some markets.

The Hurricanes’ inclusion is notable because Carolina is the defending Stanley Cup champion, adding a prominent team to the NHL’s first wave. Awful Announcing also noted that NHL commissioner Gary Bettman has previously described a blended approach, suggesting the league is not moving as broadly or quickly as MLB and the NBA in centralizing local media rights.

For context, Awful Announcing reported that MLB already has 14 teams whose local broadcasts are produced in-house, while local revenue sharing is expected to be an issue in baseball labor talks. The NHL’s initial four-team rollout appears more cautious, with additional teams possible; the article said Sports Business Journal identified the Anaheim Ducks as one club that could follow after leaving Victory+ and seeking a new broadcast arrangement.