NHL TV Blackouts: An Explainer

In the modern era of streaming and on-demand content, the concept of TV blackouts can seem like an antiquated relic. Yet, for fans of the National Hockey League (NHL), blackouts remain a frustrating reality. These restrictions, which prevent viewers in certain geographic areas from watching games, are primarily rooted in the league's broadcasting agreements designed to protect local networks.

At their core, NHL blackouts are driven by regional broadcasting agreements. The NHL sells the rights to broadcast games to regional sports networks (RSNs) and national broadcasters such as ESPN, TNT, and Sportsnet. These agreements grant RSNs the exclusive right to air games within specific geographic areas, typically where the team is based. When these games are broadcast on regional channels, they are often blacked out on national streaming services like ESPN+ or NHL.tv in the same region.

The primary reason for these blackouts is to protect the exclusivity of local broadcasters. When the NHL negotiates TV contracts, they often include provisions that give specific broadcasters, like RSNs, the exclusive right to air games in certain regions. Blackouts ensure that viewers in those regions watch the game on their local network rather than through a national streaming service. This system has been in place for decades, originating from the early days of television when RSNs were the primary means for fans to watch their local teams.

For example, if you reside in Los Angeles and wish to watch the Kings, their games might be blacked out on NHL.tv because the local broadcaster, Bally Sports West, possesses the right to showcase those games in your area. Blackouts encourage fans to watch their local RSN rather than the national service. While these agreements are logical from a business standpoint, they can be a source of annoyance and confusion for fans. Many fans lack access to traditional cable TV but still desire to follow their team.

The blackout issue becomes even more complicated during national broadcasts. If ESPN is airing a Kings game nationally, but you lack ESPN in your cable package or live streaming service, you might be unable to view the game.

While fans outside a team's region typically enjoy easy access to games through national streaming platforms, local fans encounter the "blackout wall" more frequently. If you're a Kings fan residing in Southern California, you're likely within the blackout region for any Kings game broadcast on Bally Sports West. This means you'll be blocked if you attempt to watch the game on NHL.tv. Instead, you'll require access to Bally Sports West through a cable or satellite subscription or via streaming services that carry RSNs, such as YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV, contingent on availability in your area.

Many perceive the blackout model as outdated in the digital age, as viewers now possess the capability to access content across diverse platforms. Despite this, NHL blackouts persist, frustrating fans who have severed ties with traditional cable TV but still wish to avidly follow their team.

While the NHL mandates regional blackouts to safeguard and promote a team's local market, fans are finding ways to circumvent these restrictions. One popular method is using a Virtual Private Network (VPN). By routing your connection through a server in another state or country, you can alter your virtual location and view games that would otherwise be restricted in your area.

Navigating NHL blackouts requires understanding the league's broadcasting agreements and the role of RSNs. While blackouts can be frustrating, they remain a component of the NHL landscape. As the media landscape evolves, the NHL may need to re-evaluate its blackout policies to better serve its fan base in the digital age.