The NHL and NBC did not come to a deal. This was thought to be why NXT moved off Wednesday nights in preparation for the NHL’s weekly double header. Now AEW could have the exact same issue.
Turner was the unexpected winner in the bidding war for the NHL rights package. The NBC Sports Network’s closure sent those talks into a tailspin. Now Warner Media owns the rights for 7 years.
This 7-year contract will also include three Stanley Cup Finals. According to the Associated Press, the contract has not been finalized yet. Once it does go through things could change around Warner Media.
Sources said Turner, TNT & TBS, will pay in the neighborhood of $225 million per season over the seven years.
No specific programming decision was mentioned at this time. This is a very new and developing story. It is very possible to picture TNT as a likely candidate to host Wednesday night NHL games. They already host NBA games.
The NHL’s Wednesday night doubleheader games need to find a new home, and they will be hosted on a Turner channel.