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3d ago

NHL Releases 2026–27 U.S. TV Schedule, Splitting 72 Games to TNT and 100 to ESPN Platforms

The allocation concentrates marquee matchups on linear channels while expanding streaming-only windows that change where fans must subscribe to watch

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DENVER, CO - APRIL 21: Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar (8) and Los Angeles Kings left wing Artemi Panarin (10) skate in the second period of the Los Angeles Kings versus Colorado Avalanche game two Stanley Cup Playoffs First Round game at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado on April 21, 2026. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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Overview

  • The NHL and its U.S. broadcast partners published the national schedule Wednesday, assigning 72 regular-season windows to TNT Sports and 100 windows to ESPN, ABC and ESPN+/Disney+/Hulu.
  • Teams followed with team-level national lists and time changes, with the Pittsburgh Penguins listed 20 times, the Philadelphia Flyers 19 times, the Colorado Avalanche 16 times, the Vegas Golden Knights 15 times and the Los Angeles Kings 12 times.
  • Broadcasters flagged a large number of streaming-only national games on ESPN+/Disney+/Hulu, including eight of the Kings’ 12 national slots, shifting access for out-of-market and local fans toward paid streaming subscriptions.
  • The league built special events and opening-week programming into the national slate, including an ESPN tripleheader on Sept. 29, a TNT doubleheader the next night, the Winter Classic and the Stadium Series.
  • The schedule prompted multiple start-time changes and local distribution notes that will affect team travel, arena operations and local broadcasters and could require fans to check new local and streaming plans before the season begins.