NHL announces seven-year broadcasting deal with Turner Sports

What was rumored on Monday became official on Tuesday: The NHL is leaving NBC for Turner Sports. 

The league and Turner announced a seven-year media rights agreement starting with the 2021-22 campaign that will include up to 72 regular-season games, postseason contests and Stanley Cup Final matchups airing on both TNT and TBS. According to Greg Wyshynski of ESPN, this new deal is worth $225 million annually. 

ESPN signed a seven-year contract with the NHL that also begins next season in March. 

"Turner Sports is known for its outstanding sports coverage, quality and innovation and we are thrilled that this new partnership will provide our fans with the content they love on the platforms and devices of their choice," NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said in the prepared statement. "TNT is a proven and acclaimed destination for sports fans and we will also benefit from the deep connection Bleacher Report has with young digital-savvy fans. Having WarnerMedia join the NHL family as co-rightsholders for the next seven years gives us incredible reach, positions us well for the future as the media landscape continues to evolve, and will fuel continued growth for the NHL and our clubs."

Along with Winter Classic games, Turner Sports' networks now own the rights to the Stanley Cup Final in 2023, 2025 and 2027. ABC will have the Stanley Cup Final for 2022, 2024, 2026 and 2028. 

As was previously reported, NHL.TV will move exclusively to the ESPN+ subscription service. Wyshynski added that Turner will have "TV Everywhere" rights and, theoretically, can stream live NHL games via HBO Max. Turner has not yet announced which days networks will air contests.

NBC and NBC Sports have aired NHL regular-season and playoff games since 2005-06.