TORONTO – If there is one sentiment that most Canadians share it’s not to mess with hockey – and that includes how we watch our beloved sport.
But thanks to a 12-year, $5.2-billion agreement between Rogers Communications and the National Hockey League for the league’s broadcast and multimedia rights, that will soon change.
READ MORE: NHL, Rogers reach 12-year broadcast deal worth $5.2 billion
The NHL says the deal gives Rogers national rights to all NHL games, including the playoffs and Stanley Cup final, on all of its platforms in all languages. As part of the deal, Rogers says CBC will continue to air its iconic “Hockey Night in Canada” broadcast and that the TVA network in Quebec has all of the Canadian French-language multi-media rights.
Reaction to the announcement took over social media channels Tuesday morning.
On Twitter 9 out of 10 of the trending topics in Canada were related to the NHL and Rogers deal, including #NHL, Rogers, Sportsnet, HNIC (Hockey Night in Canada), CBC, and TSN.
But the many were taking to Twitter to express their disappointment in the deal.
https://twitter.com/dharveywhite/status/405369171971538945
Many seemed to be mourning the loss of TSN hockey coverage.
But some had a more positive outlook towards the change, a few pointing out that the league’s promise to ensure no further regionalization of games or local blackouts is a positive change for consumers.
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