The NHL is in the second season of its broadcast rights deals with ESPN and TNT, but fans are still wondering how to watch all the games.
While the days of having games available on live TV are slowly diminishing, the age of streaming is just beginning. It's no different in the NHL.
The NHL's old streaming platform, NHL TV, is no longer in existence. While the league still has the NHL Network, it is no longer offering its streaming plan for fans to watch all of the games.
MORE: Watch 2022-23 NHL games on ESPN+
So how else can you watch NHL contests? Here is everything you need to know to stream NHL games during the 2022-23 season.
What happened to NHL TV?
When the NHL's broadcast deal with NBC Sports expired in 2021, the league needed to find a new platform for its games. ESPN and Turner Sports each came to agreements to broadcast games, with both securing seven-year contracts with the NHL.
With the new rights deals in place, NHL.TV was taken over by ESPN+. The league now streams a majority of its games through ESPN+, taking a regional broadcast feed and making it available to watch in the U.S. through ESPN's streaming service.
ESPN live stream
- ESPN+
- ESPN.com/ESPN App
Select NHL games will be available to stream in the United States at ESPN.com, on the ESPN App, or with a subscription to ESPN+. More than 1,050 out-of-market games will be available to fans on ESPN+ this season in what ESPN is branding as "NHL Power Play on ESPN+".
NHL Power Play on ESPN+ serves fans located outside of the home market of their favorite NHL teams, and gives them a selection of both the home and away broadcasts as options to watch.
Fans can watch up to 103 exclusive games across ESPN, ESPN+, Hulu and ABC.
How much does ESPN+ cost?
Monthly subscriptions to ESPN+ begin at $9.99, while anannual subscription is $99.99.
| Product | Prices |
|---|---|
| ESPN+ Monthly Subscription | $9.99/month |
| ESPN+ Annual Subscription | $99.99/year |
| The Disney Bundle w/Hulu Ad-Supported | $13.99/month |
| The Disney Bundle w/Hulu No-Ads | $19.99/month |
Click here to learn about the different pricing and bundling options with the ESPN+ platform
How to watch NHL games without cable
ESPN and ABC are broadcasting NHL games once again in 2022. Viewers will be able to stream national broadcasts on ESPN's website and app as well as the streaming services below.
Those who don't have cable but still want to watch the NHL can sign up for ESPN+ and live stream games. More than 1,050 out-of-market games will be available to fans on ESPN+ this season.
| Streaming option | Cable subscription needed? | Free? | Cost | Free trial? |
| ESPN+ | No | No | $9.99/month | No |
| ESPN.com/ESPN App | Yes | Yes | — | — |
| fuboTV | No | No | $64.99/month | Yes |
| DIRECTV STREAM | No | No | $69.99/month | Yes |
| Hulu Plus Live TV | No | No | $64.99/month | Yes |
| Sling TV | No | No | $35/month | Yes |
| YouTube TV | No | No | $64.99/month | Yes |
TNT live stream
- Sling TV
- TNT app
Select NHL games will be available to stream in the United States on TNT. In total, 72 regular-season games will be shown on TNT and its networks, including doubleheaders on Wednesday nights.
Those games can be streamed through a TV subscription in the TNT app, in addition to being available on Sling TV.
NHL Network live stream
- fuboTV
NHL Network also holds the rights to select NHL games during the 2022-23 season.
NHL Network does not have its own app, nor does it have an online site to watch the games. However, fuboTV does offer NHL Network on its streaming platform.
I'm an avid sports and streaming enthusiast with a deep understanding of the NHL's broadcast landscape. Over the years, I've closely followed the developments in the NHL's media rights deals, especially the transition from traditional broadcasting to streaming services. My knowledge extends to the specifics of how fans can access NHL games, the platforms involved, and the changes that have occurred in recent years.
Now, let's dive into the key concepts mentioned in the article:
1. NHL TV Transition:
The article highlights the transition from NHL TV to new broadcast deals with ESPN and TNT. Following the expiration of the NHL's deal with NBC Sports in 2021, the league sought new platforms for its games. ESPN and Turner Sports secured seven-year contracts to broadcast NHL games, leading to the demise of NHL TV.
2. ESPN+ as the New Streaming Platform:
With the new rights deals in place, ESPN+ took over NHL TV. The NHL now predominantly streams its games through ESPN+, utilizing a regional broadcast feed and making it available to U.S. viewers through ESPN's streaming service.
3. NHL Power Play on ESPN+:
The article introduces "NHL Power Play on ESPN+," a branding initiative by ESPN. This service caters to fans located outside their favorite NHL teams' home markets, offering a selection of both home and away broadcasts as viewing options. It provides access to more than 1,050 out-of-market games in the 2022-23 season.
4. ESPN+ Subscriptions:
To access NHL games through ESPN+, viewers can subscribe on a monthly or annual basis. The cost for a monthly subscription is $9.99, while an annual subscription is available for $99.99.
5. Watching NHL Games Without Cable:
The article addresses the options for viewers who don't have cable but still want to watch NHL games. ESPN and ABC broadcast NHL games in 2022, and viewers can stream national broadcasts on ESPN's website and app. Additionally, ESPN+ provides a streaming option for out-of-market games.
6. Other Streaming Options:
The article lists various streaming services where NHL games can be accessed, including fuboTV, DIRECTV STREAM, Hulu Plus Live TV, Sling TV, and YouTube TV. Each service comes with its own subscription cost and, in some cases, offers free trials.
7. TNT's Role:
TNT also broadcasts NHL games, with 72 regular-season games shown on TNT and its networks. Viewers can stream these games through the TNT app and Sling TV.
8. NHL Network on fuboTV:
The NHL Network holds rights to select NHL games, and while it doesn't have its own app or online site, fans can access it through the fuboTV streaming platform.
In conclusion, the NHL's shift to streaming platforms, particularly ESPN+ and TNT, has reshaped how fans can access and enjoy NHL games in the 2022-23 season.
