In a significant move for both hockey fans and the National Hockey League (NHL), Amazon Prime Video has announced the addition of six new teams to its broadcasting roster. This expansion will inevitably lead to increased subscription costs for many fans, making it even more challenging to keep up with their favorite teams.
On Wednesday, the NHL and Amazon unveiled their expanded partnership, which will now include the defending Stanley Cup champions, the Carolina Hurricanes, along with the Dallas Stars, Minnesota Wild, St. Louis Blues, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Anaheim Ducks. Fans in these regional markets will now have access to live game streams, pre-game and post-game coverage, as well as additional team programming through Amazon Prime Video.
While this expansion seems beneficial at first glance, it comes with a catch for many fans. Although an Amazon Prime membership is not strictly necessary to view these games, fans in four of the six markets will need to purchase a separate regional streaming package. Reports indicate that the Columbus Blue Jackets' package will cost $19.99 per month, with an annual option priced at $99.99. Similarly, the pricing structure for the St. Louis Blues, Minnesota Wild, and Carolina Hurricanes mirrors this model, meaning fans from these regions will face the same financial burden.
This new expense adds to the already hefty streaming costs that sports fans are grappling with today. With platforms like Hulu, Netflix, ESPN+, HBO Max, and Peacock, the monthly bills can quickly pile up, often reaching hundreds of dollars. For those opting for annual subscriptions to save money, the upfront cost can still be a significant hurdle.
However, not all fans will be impacted equally. Supporters of the Dallas Stars and Anaheim Ducks will benefit from their games being included at no extra charge for those who already have an Amazon Prime membership. This arrangement is a strategic advantage for these two major markets, as it lowers the barrier for casual fans to engage with their local teams.
This deal also underscores Amazon's growing influence in the NHL broadcasting landscape. For NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, this expansion is a key step in broadening the league's reach across the United States. With ongoing discussions about potential league expansion into cities like Houston, increasing viewership through a platform as expansive as Amazon could bolster the NHL's case for future growth.
Including Dallas and Anaheim without an additional paywall is a smart strategy. These markets have the potential to significantly grow their fanbases by making access to games easier. Increased viewership translates to higher revenue, which could, in turn, support the NHL's ambitions of adding more franchises in the future.
While the financial implications of this deal are clear, there are concerns about the broader impact on the sports broadcasting industry. The shift towards streaming services raises questions about the future of commentators, reporters, and production staff who have historically worked within regional sports networks. Although there is hope that many of these professionals can transition to new roles in this evolving landscape, the uncertainty remains a significant concern.
For hockey enthusiasts in Minnesota, St. Louis, Columbus, and Carolina, it’s time to reassess your budgets for the upcoming season. The cost of being a dedicated NHL fan continues to rise, and with no indication of slowing down, fans will need to adapt to this new financial reality.
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