The NHL is centralizing local production. Four teams will reportedly use the league’s new in-house arm starting next season.
What We Know: The Blue Jackets, Blues, Hurricanes and Wild lost their regional networks when Main Street Sports Group shut down. As a result, they’re shifting to NHL Productions for live game production, graphics and technical support. According to reporting from Sports Business Journal, the league is investing a high-seven- to low-eight-figure sum over three seasons. Additionally, the Ducks could join soon after notifying streaming partner Victory+ of their intent to leave last week.
What They Said: NHL President of Business Keith Wachtel (via SBJ): “When you control all of the different aspects of the production and the sales, what you have the ability to do — market, promote and sell — becomes infinitely better.”
NHL Chief Media Officer David Proper (via SBJ): “You hear the other leagues talking about doing national products and so on and so forth. Our main goal right now is to maintain as much flexibility as we can so that as the market matures and we start to understand what the future really holds, then we can react very quickly.”
What Remains Unclear: None of the four affected teams have finalized 2026-27 distribution plans. However, the Blues, Hurricanes and Wild are prioritizing pay-TV deals while exploring streaming options. Meanwhile, over-the-air availability remains uncertain for all teams following their departures from Main Street Sports Group.
What It Means: Ultimately, the NHL joins MLB and the NBA in centralizing local broadcasts. Therefore, teams gain more control over advertising inventory and monetization. Additionally, league executives hope aggregated media could eventually support national sponsorship deals. In short, the shift signals a lasting change in how NHL clubs manage local television rights.
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John Mamola is Barrett Media’s sports editor and daily sports columnist. He brings over two decades of experience (Chicago, Tampa/St Petersburg) in the broadcast industry with expertise in brand management, sales, promotions, producing, imaging, hosting, talent coaching, talent development, web development, social media strategy and design, video production, creative writing, partnership building, communication/networking with a long track record of growth and success. He is a five-time recognized top 20 program director in a major market via Barrett Medi’s Top 20 series and has been honored internally multiple times as station/brand of the year (Tampa, FL) and employee of the month (Tampa, FL) by iHeartMedia. Connect with John by email at John@BarrettMedia.com.