The NHL will no longer be broadcast on the CBC, Sportsnet and the public broadcaster announced Tuesday, ending a partnership which saw certain games aired on both networks.
“Watching hockey on Saturday night is a time-honoured tradition for Canadians, and Sportsnet is privileged to continue delivering that tradition. This has been a terrific partnership, and both parties look forward to continued opportunities to collaborate in the future,” Sportsnet said in a statement.
Meanwhile, the CBC is moving forward with “a new sports programming strategy following the unprecedented success of the Milano/Cortina Olympic Games,” per the statement.
The CBC began airing Hockey Night in Canada on television in 1952 and held exclusive Saturday night rights through the 2013-14 season.
Over the 12 years since, CBC continued to carry games through a cross-licensing partnership with Sportsnet.
Sportsnet will air all Saturday games moving forward as part of a new 12-year broadcast deal with the NHL that begins next season.