Observed Signal · Oct 24, 2026 · Partnership · Source: PR Newswire: Technology News · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Positive
DIRECTV Adds NHL Regional Channels for Four Teams
DIRECTV has announced a new multi-year distribution agreement with the National Hockey League (NHL) to carry regional channels for the Carolina Hurricanes, Columbus Blue Jackets, Minnesota Wild, and St. Louis Blues. The channels—Hurricanes Hockey Network, Blue Jackets Hockey Network, Wild+, and Blue Note+—will be available to DIRECTV streaming and satellite customers in each team's home territory who subscribe to Choice or higher packages, and to U-verse customers with U200 or above. The deal also grants commercial distribution rights for DIRECTV FOR BUSINESS venues, such as sports bars and restaurants. This expands DIRECTV's local sports offerings to rights for 76 of 81 U.S.-based NHL, NBA, or MLB franchises, including 23 NHL teams. The announcement was made on October 24, 2026, reflecting the evolving local sports distribution landscape.
The deal expands DIRECTV's sports distribution portfolio, reflecting the shift toward team-owned channels and local sports streaming, which impacts how advertisers reach local audiences through CTV and linear TV.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- DIRECTV signs multi-year distribution agreement with NHL for four regional team channels, announced on October 24, 2026.
- Channels: Hurricanes Hockey Network, Blue Jackets Hockey Network, Wild+, and Blue Note+.
- Available to DIRECTV Choice package subscribers and U-verse U200 customers in respective home territories.
- DIRECTV FOR BUSINESS gets commercial distribution rights for bars, restaurants, and venues.
- DIRECTV now has rights to 76 of 81 U.S.-based NHL, NBA, or MLB franchises, including 23 NHL teams.
Connected Companies & Entities
2 Entities mapped“DIRECTV announced a new multi-year distribution agreement with the National Hockey League.”
“DIRECTV announced a new multi-year distribution agreement with the National Hockey League.”
Ontology Mapping & Concepts
Related Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
Fubo Adds Four NHL RSNs Ahead of Season
Fubo announced a distribution agreement with the NHL to add four regional sports networks (RSNs) to its lineup ahead of the 2026-27 hockey season. Subscribers in the markets of the Carolina Hurricanes, Columbus Blue Jackets, Minnesota Wild, and St. Louis Blues will be able to watch their local teams' games on Fubo. This brings Fubo's total to over 50 RSNs in its base package, complementing its extensive sports content. The move addresses recent shifts in sports rights ownership and gives hockey fans another way to watch their teams without cable.
DIRECTV Partners with DAZN for NBA Local Coverage
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DIRECTV Adds CW to MySports Sports-Only Streaming Package
DIRECTV has expanded its MySports Genre Pack, a lower-cost sports-focused streaming package, by adding local CW affiliates at no extra charge. The change, effective this week, provides direct access to the local CW station in markets where the network is carried, instead of relying solely on secondary pathways through other included services. MySports launched in early 2025 as a streamlined alternative to fuller Signature packages, priced at $64.99 per month after introductory discounts. The package includes over 20 sports channels plus ESPN Unlimited. Local ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC affiliates were already included. CW affiliates carry live sports like ACC college football, NASCAR, WWE NXT, and select Pac-12 contests. The addition simplifies access and fills a previous gap. Availability depends on market and service address. The package remains cheaper than broader Signature tiers, with optional add-ons like MyHome Team mini-pack for regional sports networks and MySports Extra for NFL RedZone.
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