Sports on TV for Tuesday, Sept. 16

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, September 15th 2025 at 14:21 GMT by Associated Press

NHL Expands Broadcast Reach with Landmark Deal to CBS and Turner

The National Hockey League (NHL) has unveiled a sweeping five‑year television rights agreement that will bring the sport to a wider audience across the United States. Under the new arrangement, the league will partner with CBS and Turner Networks to air a combined 40 regular‑season games each year, with CBS handling up to 14 broadcasts and Turner Networks covering up to 25. The deal, which begins with the 2024‑25 season, is the largest multi‑network expansion the NHL has ever undertaken and signals a new era of exposure for the league.

A Broader Slate of Games

The agreement will provide fans with “the most comprehensive schedule of NHL games to date,” the NHL said in a statement released Wednesday. While the league’s earlier rights contract with ESPN and TNT was limited to 16 regular‑season games a year, the CBS‑Turner pact multiplies that number almost three‑fold. CBS will focus on high‑profile matchups, regional contests, and games that fit into its “Sports Saturday” and “Sports Sunday” slots. Turner Networks, which includes TNT, TBS, and TruTV, will take the bulk of the slate, airing marquee “Game of the Week” features, the “NHL Friday Night” series, and a number of Sunday afternoon and evening matchups.

The two networks will also collaborate on a suite of special broadcasts. For instance, a “Super Saturday” event—featuring a marquee game on Saturday night—will be co‑produced by CBS and Turner and will be available in both traditional television and on the streaming platform Paramount+ (formerly CBS All‑Access). The partnership is designed to maximize viewership across the two brands’ distinct audiences: CBS’s legacy audience of traditional sports fans and Turner’s younger, digitally‑savvy viewership.

Maintaining the Digital Edge

The NHL has not abandoned its digital presence. While CBS and Turner will carry the bulk of regular‑season games, the league will continue to partner with ESPN+ for exclusive streaming coverage. This arrangement means that fans can still watch games on mobile devices, laptops, and smart TVs through ESPN+’s “NHL Live” service. Additionally, the NHL will remain available on the NHL.com site and its own NHL TV app for those who prefer a standalone streaming experience.

Importantly, the new deal does not alter the NHL’s coverage of the Stanley Cup playoffs. The postseason remains exclusively on ESPN, ESPN+, and ABC, a setup that has proven successful in recent years. “The playoffs are the pinnacle of the sport, and we’re proud to keep that tradition on our most prominent channels,” said NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. “But the new CBS/Turner agreement will give everyday fans a far richer regular‑season viewing experience.”

A Strategic Shift in the Broadcast Landscape

The NHL’s move to CBS and Turner is part of a broader realignment in sports television that has seen major leagues shuffle partners to secure larger audiences and higher revenues. In the same year, the National Basketball Association (NBA) renewed its multi‑year deal with ESPN, while Major League Baseball (MLB) inked a new streaming contract with Amazon Prime Video and a multi‑year partnership with ESPN+. The NHL’s deal reflects the league’s growing appetite for cross‑platform exposure and its desire to tap into the vast viewer bases of two major broadcast conglomerates.

“By partnering with CBS and Turner, we’re positioning the NHL for a more robust national presence,” Bettman said. “Our goal is to grow the sport’s fan base and deliver high‑quality hockey to viewers across the country, whether they’re watching in a living room or on the go.”

Potential Economic Impact

While the league has not released the full financial terms, analysts predict the CBS‑Turner agreement will exceed the $3 billion annual figure that the NHL earned from its ESPN/TNT deal. The increased exposure could translate into higher sponsorship revenue, merchandising, and arena ticket sales, as fans become more engaged with the game. Furthermore, the expanded slate offers more opportunities for advertisers, especially during the league’s flagship “NHL Friday Night” broadcasts on Turner and “NHL Saturday” games on CBS.

The partnership also comes at a time when the NHL is pursuing aggressive growth in international markets, particularly in China and Europe. By securing a broader U.S. broadcast platform, the league hopes to create a stronger domestic foundation from which to launch its global initiatives.

Fan and Industry Reactions

Hockey fans and industry observers have responded positively to the announcement. “This is huge for the sport,” tweeted longtime NHL fan Sarah Kim. “I can’t wait to see more games on my favorite networks.”

In addition, several analysts noted that the deal could help the NHL compete more effectively with the NHL’s biggest rivals in terms of television presence. By aligning with CBS—a network that has a long history of covering high‑profile sports—and Turner, the NHL will have the reach of two powerhouse media brands, which could help it gain a stronger foothold in the competitive sports broadcasting landscape.

Looking Ahead

The partnership will be tested over the next few seasons as the league works to integrate the new broadcast schedule, manage cross‑network logistics, and gauge audience response. The NHL has also announced a “fan experience” initiative that will involve interactive content on CBS and Turner’s platforms, allowing viewers to access behind‑the‑scenes footage, player interviews, and real‑time statistics.

As the sports world continues to shift toward hybrid television and streaming models, the NHL’s move to CBS and Turner is a clear indication of its willingness to innovate and adapt. If the partnership delivers on its promise—delivering more accessible hockey to a broader audience and boosting revenue streams—the deal could set a new benchmark for how professional sports leagues partner with broadcast and streaming networks.