NEW YORK — The National Hockey League (NHL) and Major League Baseball Advanced Media (MLBAM), the interactive media and Internet company of MLB, announced Tuesday a six-year digital media rights partnership that encompasses all of the NHL’s digital platforms, including GameCenter LIVE, NHL Center Ice, NHL Network and NHL.com.
“The partnership will transform the fan experience by creating a fully integrated global hub of digital content that encompasses video, live game streaming, social media, fantasy, apps, along with statistical and analytical content. With an emphasis on deeper access into the game and telling the stories of NHL players, MLBAM and the NHL will collaborate on developing new digital products and platforms while enhancing current offerings,” the NHL reported on its website.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred made the joint announcement Tuesday afternoon at NHL headquarters in New York.
Under the deal, MLBAM receives exclusive rights to distribute live out-of-market NHL telecasts, including via the NHL GameCenter LIVE and NHL Center Ice subscription services in the United States and certain international markets. MLBAM will also operate NHL.com, including the NHL’s seven foreign-language sites and 30 club websites, plus the NHL mobile apps. In addition, MLBAM receives exclusive rights to operate the NHL Network as an agent for the NHL. NHL Network will relocate its operations from Toronto to studio space inside MLB Network headquarters in Secaucus, N.J., with MLBAM expecting to fully launch its NHL presence in January 2016.
According to the Canadian Press, the video distribution rights granted to MLBAM do not apply in Canada, where Rogers Communications continues to be the rights holder.
When contacted via email by Cartt.ca regarding the implications of the NHL-MLBAM deal for Rogers, Andrea Goldstein, senior director of communications for Rogers Media, responded: “Rogers is committed to delivering leading-edge technology and innovation to enhance the customer and fan experience. We are working with the NHL on the transition for NHL GameCentre LIVE to ensure Canadians can continue to enjoy world-class hockey content on their favourite devices anytime, anywhere.”
According to Elliotte Friedman on Sportsnet.ca, the NHL deal with MLBAM has been valued at $200 million per year. Friedman said as part of the deal the NHL would reportedly receive an annual $100-million rights fee from MLBAM and $80 million in equity in MLBAM’s technology business. Neither the NHL nor MLBAM announced financial details of the deal.
