What are NHL Blackouts? Here’s what you need to know - Sportsnet NOW (2024)

FAQs

What are NHL Blackouts? Here’s what you need to know - Sportsnet NOW? ›

NHL TV blackouts are geo-restrictions that cause certain games to be blocked in certain regions. The blackouts happen because each NHL team has a number of regional games that get sold to regional broadcasters. These NHL blackout rules mean that only regional broadcasters have the right to show a specific game.

All remaining games for each teams are national games. Regional blackouts are determined based on your location at the time you are streaming the content, not based on your billing address, or whether a team is playing at home or on the road.

Due to regional broadcast regulations set forth by the NHL, Sportsnet game telecasts must be blacked out in certain areas of Canada. The broadcast boundaries for Sportsnet's regional NHL games have been set by the NHL since the network's inception in 1998 and Sportsnet is contractually obligated to follow them.

Using a device like the StreamLocator Hub Not only does the StreamLocator Hub support NHL Live which allows you to remove all blackouts on your subscription automatically it also allows you to change location in your TSN and Sportsnet NOW app allowing you to bypass the blackouts on these platforms!

The simplest way to beat NHL.tv and ESPN+ blackouts is to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN), Here's a quick guide to unblocking NHL games with a VPN: Start by signing up for a suitable VPN. We recommend NordVPN. Install the VPN software, making sure to get the right app for your operating system, and log in.

Unlocator allows you to bypass the MLB blackout restrictions by simply changing to its DNS. All you have to do is create an Unlocator account and then change the DNS on your device according to the setup guides. Once done, you can watch any game from MLB regardless of when and where the team is playing.

Looking to watch Sportsnet Now online? Although Sportsnet is restricted to Canada, we explain how you can use a VPN to watch Sportsnet Now in the US or anywhere else in the world. If you've tried watching Sportsnet Now outside of Canada you will have found it's region-locked.

NHL.TV Blackouts (outside of U.S. and Canada only)

In the 2022-23 season, games broadcast by SKY in Austria and Germany will be blacked out live in NHL.TV. The on-demand replay will be made available shortly upon completion of the live broadcast.

If a game is on more than one network, the game is subject to regional blackouts. SN NOW PREMIUM includes all out-of-market games. Limited blackouts apply. Taxes extra.

SN NOW Standard is priced at $14.99/month or $149.99/year and grants you 24/7 streaming access to Sportsnet East, West, Ontario, Pacific and Sportsnet ONE. SN NOW Premium is priced at $34.99 per month or $249.99/year and provides you access to the same channels as SN NOW, plus additional content not broadcast on TV.

How many devices allowed on Sportsnet now? ›

Can I access Sportsnet NOW from more than one device at a time? No. Sportsnet NOW is intended for personal use and only allows for one concurrent stream.

Two out-of-market options exist for NHL fans: ESPN+ and NHL Center Ice. Both allow you to watch over 1,000 out-of-market games, which don't air on local or national TV.

Why is there lag between a live game on TV and the Sportsnet NOW stream? The lag time compared to live broadcast is dependent on the device being used, the location and connection of the user, and other factors. The lag time is typically between 30-60 seconds.

Yes, using a VPN is the best way to bypass NHL.tv blackouts. It'll change your IP address, making it appear as if you're based in a region where the game you want to watch isn't blacked out. VPNs have advanced security features that make sure you get the best speeds while watching geo-restricted content.

Starting today, fans in the United States can find the NHL FAST channel on channel 216 on The Roku Channel, the home of free and premium entertainment on the Roku platform.

Given that NHLBite is a website, you can watch NHL games online free of charge on any device you have — PC, laptop, smartphone, or tablet. All you need is to open the website and press “Play”. NHLBite is legit one of the best free NHL streaming sites with a minimalistic interface and nice arrangement.

In the NFL, any broadcaster that has a signal that hits any area within a 75 miles (121 km) radius of an NFL stadium may only broadcast a game if that game is a road game (also known as an away game), or if the game sells out 72 hours or more before the start time for the game.

If you see a message that states, "This content is subject to blackout", this is because the event that you requested is not available on ESPN in your location. Your location is determined by your IP Address.

If ESPN blocks your current IP address, all you need to do is connect to a different VPN server (located in the US) to change your IP address. You may need to try multiple servers (and clear your browser's cookies between each new attempt).

SN NOW STANDARD ($14.99/month or $149.99/year): This pass gives access to Sportsnet's elite lineup of sports and channels. Regional NHL restrictions apply.

Can I get Sportsnet on Amazon Prime? ›

The Sportsnet Amazon Fire App app allows you to watch SN NOW live Sportsnet channels, and video clips from all of your favourite leagues, teams and Sportsnet shows. Subscribe to SN NOW for 24/7 access to SN Ontario, East, West, Pacific, One, and 360.

Users can access Sportsnet NOW by visiting www.sportsnet.ca/now or downloading the app for free from the App Store or Google Play. Sportsnet connects Canadian sports fans to their favourite teams and athletes, using five platforms: TV, Radio, Print, Online and Mobile.

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, reroutes all of a device's internet traffic through a location of the user's choosing. Fans can make it look like they are watching from a different state or country to bypass the blackout. Good VPNs usually require a monthly subscription fee, but it's cheaper than buying cable TV.

It follows a mandate from the NHL, with all 32 teams having their designated broadcast region. Also, the NHL often sells its games' local broadcast rights to local networks. If you are a TV distributor of ESPN+, Sportsnet NOW, or NHL.TV, you will have to enforce blackout based on the location of your subscribers.

Since NHL LIVE^TM is an out-of-market product, this means that with a subscription, you are blacked out from streaming the “home” team in any given market.

Sportsnet NOW - NHL Games on Demand.

PREMIUM has the same hockey content as STANDARD, plus hundreds of additional out-of-market games. This means it allows you to watch teams that aren't your local ones. Limited blackout restrictions apply.

Watch games on-demand by going to the Leagues tab to catch up. Keep up with all your favourite Sportsnet programming, including Gotta See It, Sportsnet Presents and much more. Click on the Shows tab to get started. Watch on your big screen through Apple TV, Chromecast, Xbox, PlayStation, Amazon Fire TV or Android TV.

Does Roku support Sportsnet now? ›

It also includes the WWE Network, if you're into wrestling. Sportsnet Now has wide compatibility with streaming devices. The only omissions I can see are Roku products and smart TV interfaces. If you have a gaming console, the PlayStation 4/5 and Xbox One and Series X/S all work.

SPORTSNET NOW ON SAMSUNG SMART TVS

Simply download the Sportsnet app from the app section in the Samsung SmartHub and sign in with your SN Now credentials to begin streaming all your favourite sports.

The National Hockey League (NHL) has seen a decline in viewership in recent years. One reason for the decline in viewership may be the lack of a national broadcast deal in the United States.

Now part of the ESPN+ base-tier subscription at no additional cost. Access over 1,000 out of market NHL games from every team, all season long. Blackouts and restrictions apply.

Watch Popular NHL Hockey Shows Online | Hulu (Free Trial) Watch thousands of shows and movies, with plans starting at $2/month for 3 months*.

Pat Tabler will not be returning to the broadcast booth with Sportsnet for the 2023 season. Tabler played an integral role as a celebrated contributor to Sportsnet's Toronto Blue Jays broadcast for the past 17 years, helping to grow the game of baseball across Canada.

Rogers Sportsnet fired Damian Goddard as an on-air host last month following his tweets on a debate sparked by New York Rangers forward Sean Avery's support of same-sex marriage. Goddard tweeted in support of hockey agent Todd Reynolds, who used Twitter to voice his opposition to Avery's position.

NHL.TV (outside US and Canada)

If you're vacationing in a blacked-out region, connect to a CyberGhost VPN server in a location where the game's available. We change your IP address so you're not limited to the games you can watch based on your current location.

Can the NHL ban a player? ›

On the ice, referees may impose penalties for prohibited activities. Off the ice, the National Hockey League (NHL) sometimes fines, suspends or expels players. The criminal justice system has also occasionally charged and convicted players.

Adrar. This is the most popular app people go to when they want to watch hockey. Viewers who use Adrar TV have a chance to enjoy live HD streaming of NHL games and other popular hockey leagues from around the world. There is also a catch-up feature that lets you view replays of previous games in case you missed them.

The Roku Channel is available for audiences to stream for free via Roku devices, on the Web, iOS and Android devices, Amazon Fire TV, and select Samsung TVs.

No, the 2023 NHL Playoffs are not on Peaco*ck. While 17 playoff games aired on the streaming service in 2021, Peaco*ck's parent company NBCUniversal no longer owns the broadcasting rights to the NHL.

NHL Live is available on iOS, Android, Xbox, Roku, Apple TV/tvOS (see below) and PlayStation devices. Go to the schedule page in the app. Choose the game you wish to watch.

There are many ways to watch NHL Network without cable, including Sling, Fubo TV, or DirecTV Stream. But our team's pick for most people to watch NHL Network, is Sling. Here's why: Sling is available at the lowest monthly price point: $40.

SN NOW STANDARD: Users are subject to in-market blackout restrictions. As a result, if a user wants to watch the Flames, Oilers, Canucks or Leafs, they must reside within their broadcast region to avoid blackouts. SN NOW PREMIUM: Users receive out-of-market hockey as part of their subscription.

Blackouts based on attendance. In the NFL, any broadcaster that has a signal that hits any area within a 75 miles (121 km) radius of an NFL stadium may only broadcast a game if that game is a road game (also known as an away game), or if the game sells out 72 hours or more before the start time for the game.

Sportsnet NOW is intended for personal use and only allows for one concurrent stream.

Can you use a VPN to avoid sports blackouts? ›

The simplest way to bypass Major League Baseball (MLB) blackouts is to use a VPN. Using the VPN app, you can route your traffic through a proxy server and appear to be outside of home television territory.

NHL TV blackouts are geo-restrictions that cause certain games to be blocked in certain regions. The blackouts happen because each NHL team has a number of regional games that get sold to regional broadcasters. These NHL blackout rules mean that only regional broadcasters have the right to show a specific game.

Content includes: Over 1,000 NHL games, all outdoor games, the NHL All-Star Game, entire Stanley Cup Playoffs, NHL Draft, up to 162 Toronto Blue Jays games, MLB regular season matchups, MLB Home Run Derby and All-Star Game, Postseason and World Series, Grand Slam of Curling, 41 regular season Toronto Raptors games, 200 ...

If you are receiving blackout messaging on ESPN, check your local listings to find the television network carrying the event. If you see a message that states, "This content is subject to blackout", this is because the event that you requested is not available on ESPN in your location.

Blacked-out games will be available for viewing after the game has concluded. Blackouts are specific to your current location, so if your location changes, your blackout restrictions for live, locally televised games will also change. Your location is determined by the IP address or location services (if turned on).

A blackout is a temporary loss of consciousness. In a blackout, you experience a loss of memory. There are many different causes of blackout – it might be an effect of drugs or alcohol, a problem with circulation, or a problem within the brain, such as epilepsy.

A user is able to watch concurrently on up to two devices at a time.

Your subscription will continue to include the sports you love, like the NHL, NBA, and MLB. However, SN NOW will no longer include WWE programming, which will now live on SN NOW+ and a new dedicated WWE package launching in the near future. These changes will take effect in the fall.

With a VPN on, the user's online activities and data are encrypted. But, if the VPN software has security flaws and vulnerabilities, the police (or any other third party, for that matter) can use them to “break into” the VPN and see what data is being sent and received.

Is streaming through a VPN illegal? ›

Streaming with a VPN is not illegal. Streaming itself may be subject to copyright laws, but using a VPN to stream content does not violate any laws in and of itself. Many people use VPNs for streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and others.

Yes, ESPN+ is known for blacking out local NHL games. If you're an in-market fan and you want to watch your local team's NHL game, you'll only be able to view it on your local regional sports network (RSN). It'll be blacked out on ESPN since the RSN has exclusive rights to air it.