NHL Network is an essential channel for those who live and breathe hockey. Accessible via cable, satellite, and live TV streaming services, it delivers live NHL games, captivating documentaries, and timely studio programs.
We’re here to outline the best ways to score NHL Network coverage. Our guide also delves deeper into the channel’s content and how you can tune in through an NHL Center Ice subscription.
Ready to learn more? Keep scrolling to get all the info you need about NHL Network.
Best TV plans for watching NHL Network
The ideal TV plan for accessing NHL Network depends on your channel preferences and budget. For comprehensive NHL coverage, we recommend DIRECTV STREAM because it comes with regional sports networks (RSNs) for local game broadcasts. But NHL Network is available only in DIRECTV STREAM’s two highest-tiered plans, which start at $104.99 a month.
Alternatively, you can opt for Sling TV to acquire NHL Network at a more affordable monthly rate. This route involves combining one of its base plans ($40 a month) with the Sports Extra add-on ($11 a month). Even with the add-on, Sling TV is still the most cost-effective way to access NHL Network.
Which TV providers carry NHL Network?
NHL Network is available on most TV providers—the notable exceptions are Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV. Check our table below to see which popular providers carry the channel.
| Provider | Type | Price | NHL Network | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cox | Cable | $61.00–$152.00/mo. | ✔ |
Read Cox review |
| DIRECTV | Satellite | $69.99–$159.99/mo. | ✔ |
View Plans for DIRECTV Read DIRECTV review |
| DIRECTV STREAM | Streaming | $69.99–$149.99/mo. | ✔ |
View Plans for DIRECTV STREAM Read DIRECTV STREAM review |
| DISH | Satellite | $97.99–$147.99/mo. | ✔ |
View Plans for DISH Read DISH review |
| Fubo | Streaming | $32.99–$99.99/mo. | ✔ |
View Plans for FuboTV Read Fubo review |
| Hulu + Live TV | Streaming | $76.99–$89.99/mo. | — |
View Plans for Hulu Read Hulu + Live TV review |
| Optimum | Cable | $35.00–$125.00/mo. | ✔ |
View Plans for Optimum Read Optimum review |
| Philo | Streaming | $28.00/mo. | — |
View Plans for Philo Read Philo review |
| Sling TV | Streaming | $40.00–$55.00/mo. | ✔ |
View Plans for Sling TV Read Sling TV review |
| Spectrum | Cable | $40.00–$105.00/mo. | ✔ |
View Plans for Spectrum Read Spectrum review |
| Verizon Fios | Cable | $85.00–$129.00/mo. | ✔ |
View plans Read Verizon Fios review |
| Xfinity | Cable | $20.00–$80.00/mo. | ✔ |
Read Xfinity review |
| YouTube TV | Streaming | $72.99/mo. | — |
View Plans for YouTube TV Read YouTube TV review |
Data effective as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Get NHL Network with NHL Center Ice
Data effective as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Out-of-market games only. Blackout restrictions and other conditions apply. Actual numbers of games varies by market due to blackout rules and other restrictions.
You can get NHL Network through select cable and satellite TV providers when you sign up for NHL Center Ice. The out-of-market sports package costs $69.99 per season, although some providers may offer discounts or monthly payment options.
Usually, NHL Network is available in higher-tiered TV plans. The financial benefit of getting it with NHL Center Ice is that you don’t need an expensive base plan. Plus, you’ll get complete access to all NHL games that don’t air on local or national TV channels—making it the perfect route for non-cord-cutters who support an NHL team far from home.
To explore providers offering NHL Center Ice this season, hit the button below to visit NHL.com.
Pro tip: NHL Power Play on ESPN+ is the out-of-market streaming alternative to NHL Center Ice. However, it doesn’t include access to NHL Network.
What’s the cheapest way to get NHL Network?
Data effective as of post date. Compatible device and internet connection required. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
The cheapest way to get NHL Network is through Sling TV. You can unlock the channel by selecting one of Sling TV’s base plans and combining it with the Sports Extra add-on.
What makes this option even more enticing is that Sling TV doesn’t compromise on content. With the Sling Orange base plan and the Sports Extra add-on, you secure NHL Network and get ESPN and TNT for more national NHL coverage.
Sling TV’s biggest downside is its lack of local channels in most markets. This is a big deal for hockey fans because ABC broadcasts many vital matchups. However, the Sling Orange plan includes in-app access to ESPN3, which streams all NHL on ABC broadcasts.
What’s on NHL Network?
NHL Network is the hub for live NHL happenings, including regular-season games, the NHL Scouting Combine, and the NHL Draft. The channel also features intermittent broadcasts of American Hockey League (AHL) matches, college hockey games, and International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) events.
Beyond live games, NHL Network carries studio shows, documentaries, and tons of classic matches. It’s somewhat light on original content, but we’ve listed its key programming below.
- A Day That Changed the Game
- NHL Classics
- NHL Network Ice Time
- NHL Network Showcase
- NHL Now
- NHL Tonight
- NHL Top Players
- On the Fly
- Pioneers
- Raising the Cup
What’s NHL Network?
Debuting in 2007, NHL Network followed in the footsteps of two other league-specific channels: NBA TV and NFL Network. The channel’s creation was a collaborative effort between the National Hockey League and Comcast—broadening the scope of the telecommunications giant’s NBCUniversal channel lineup.
Since 2021, NBC Sports no longer possesses NHL broadcasting rights. However, NHL Network persists in airing regular-season games and original studio programming.
How to watch NHL Network FAQ
How can I stream NHL Network?
You can stream NHL Network through any live TV streaming service that offers the channel. Unfortunately, you can’t use an existing TV provider account to watch NHL Network online in the NHL app.
How can I get NHL Network for free?
The only way to access NHL Network for free is by signing up for a free live TV streaming trial. DIRECTV STREAM and Fubo carry NHL Network and typically offer free trials.
Does ESPN+ include NHL Network?
No, ESPN+ doesn’t include NHL Network. While the streaming service offers out-of-market NHL games, you’ll need a TV provider subscription to get NHL Network.
Is NHL Network on Amazon Prime?
No, NHL Network isn’t available as an add-on channel through Amazon Prime Video. However, the streaming service does offer MLB.TV, NBA League Pass, and NBA TV add-ons.
