Amazon Strikes Exclusive Deal with NHL for Prime Monday Night Hockey in Canada
In a groundbreaking move, Amazon’s Prime Video in Canada has secured an exclusive deal to become the home of National Hockey League games on Monday nights. This deal marks a significant shift in the entertainment industry’s sports landscape, as the streaming giant enters the sports arms race in Canada.
The two-year agreement, whose financial terms were not disclosed, was reached between Prime Video, the NHL, and Rogers Communications, the long-standing rights holder of league games in Canada. Starting from the 2024-25 NHL season, Prime Monday Night Hockey will stream all national regular season Monday night games exclusively for Prime members in Canada for two seasons.
This move comes as a response to the changing viewing habits of Canadians, who are increasingly turning to streaming platforms over traditional cable TV. With the launch of Rogers’ Sportsnet sports channel on Prime Video Channels in Canada at the beginning of the 2023/24 hockey season, the NHL’s decision to partner with Prime Video reflects the evolving content ecosystem.
Colette Watson, president of Rogers Sports & Media, expressed excitement about the collaboration with Amazon, stating, “Today’s content ecosystem is evolving, and we’re really pleased to work with Amazon to continue to grow the game and help hockey fans watch games when and where they want.”
In the United States, NHL games are already available for streaming on the Max online platform, highlighting the growing relationship between live sports and streaming video. Magda Grace, head of Prime Video in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, emphasized the platform’s commitment to offering a diverse range of entertainment options, including sports content, Amazon originals, and popular movies.
With the launch of Prime Monday Night Hockey, Prime Video in Canada is set to become a one-stop destination for hockey fans, offering a mix of live games, original series, and additional sports content. As the NHL continues to expand its presence in the digital space, this partnership with Amazon represents a significant step forward in the future of sports broadcasting.