Hockey Night in Canada to Leave CBC After Rights Deal Expires

TORONTO (AP) — The iconic "Hockey Night in Canada" broadcast will not return to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) next fall, marking the end of a nearly 75-year era for the program on public television. This significant shift occurs as the sublicensing agreement between Rogers Communications and the CBC expired at the conclusion of the Stanley Cup playoffs.

The two parties did not extend their partnership for the 2026-27 season, which is scheduled to be the first year of Rogers’ new 12-year, $11 billion broadcast rights deal. The termination of this agreement means that the national broadcaster will no longer have access to air these NHL games under the previous arrangement.

For decades, "Hockey Night in Canada" has been deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of the nation. Its departure from CBC television represents a major change in how Canadians consume professional hockey broadcasting. The program has historically served as a staple for sports fans across the country, providing weekly coverage of National Hockey League games.

Rogers Communications now holds the exclusive rights to broadcast these games under the new multi-billion dollar contract. This transition signifies a move away from public broadcasting toward private media ownership for the majority of NHL content in Canada. The expiration of the sublicensing deal was a key factor in this decision, as no extension was reached for the upcoming season.

The end of this partnership highlights the evolving landscape of sports media rights in Canada. With Rogers securing the long-term deal, the future of hockey broadcasting will be largely determined by private sector strategies rather than public service mandates. Fans and analysts alike are watching closely to see how this shift impacts viewership and the overall presentation of the sport.

While the CBC will no longer air "Hockey Night in Canada," the legacy of the program remains intact as a historical institution. The nearly 75-year run on the network is now concluding, giving way to a new chapter dominated by Rogers Communications' extensive financial investment in NHL content.