The NHL is taking the “Winter” out of the Winter Classic this year. For the first time, the league’s premier outdoor event heads to LoanDepot Park in Miami, where the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers will host the New York Rangers.
It’s a fantastic setup for a game. But let’s be honest, it’s a little cruel for the rest of us. While the fans in Florida are enjoying 75-degree weather, most of us will be stuck in the post-holiday freeze. If you can’t book a last-minute flight to South Beach to see the Panthers’ Winter Classic debut in person, the next best option is to tune in from the warm comfort of your living room.
Fortunately, it’s easier than ever to watch the NHL Winter Classic on TV. The game airs nationally on TNT, meaning you have plenty of options to catch the puck drop on Friday, January 2.
What channels show the NHL Winter Classic?
You can watch the 2026 NHL Winter Classic live on TNT at 8:00 p.m. ET on Friday, January 2. A simulcast will also air on truTV and stream on HBO Max.
Canada-based viewers can catch the game with English-language commentary on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+, while TVA Sports will carry Canadian French–language coverage.
Want radio coverage? Sports USA will syndicate the NHL Winter Classic to its affiliate stations. You can learn more about the radio network’s affiliates and upcoming broadcasts by visiting its Sports USA Schedules page.
Best TV plans for watching the NHL Winter Classic
The best TV plan for watching the NHL Winter Classic depends on your budget and viewing habits. If you’re looking for an inexpensive option and already have reliable internet, I recommend subscribing to HBO Max. You’ll need a Standard or Premium plan (starting at $16.99/mo.) to stream live sports like the Winter Classic, but you won’t need any extra add-ons.
For a slightly more substantial TV package, you can get Sling TV‘s Orange plan for $45.99/mo. It includes TNT alongside TBS, ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN3 for more national NHL coverage—meaning you won’t miss the NHL Stadium Series and NHL Playoffs if you stay subscribed beyond January.
With the Sports Extra add-on, you can take your Sling TV base plan to the next level for as low as $11.00 a month. That’ll get you NHL Network, ESPNews, ESPNU, and college conference networks. That’s a crucial lineup for watching the NCAA Men’s Ice Hockey Championship, though you’ll need ESPN+ to watch certain parts of the women’s tournament.
Which TV providers show the NHL Winter Classic?
Most major TV providers carry the NHL Winter Classic, with the big exception being Fubo. The sports-centric streamer still lacks the TNT Sports networks (TNT, TBS, truTV) needed to watch the game. To help you avoid a blind spot, I’ve listed 12 popular providers below to show which ones carry TNT.
| Provider | Price | TNT | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cox | $71.00–$162.00/mo. | ✔ |
View Plans for Cox Read Cox review |
| DIRECTV | $89.99–$169.99/mo. | ✔ |
View Plans for DIRECTV Read DIRECTV review |
| DISH | $89.99–$119.99/mo. | ✔ |
View Plans for DISH Read DISH review |
| Fubo | $14.99–$94.99/mo. | — |
View Plans for FuboTV Read Fubo review |
| Hulu + Live TV | $88.99–$99.99/mo. | ✔ |
View Plans for Hulu Read Hulu + Live TV review |
| Optimum | $15.00–$140.00/mo. | ✔ |
View Plans for Optimum Read Optimum review |
| Philo | $28.00/mo. | — |
View Plans for Philo Read Philo review |
| Sling TV | $19.99–$60.99/mo. | ✔ |
View Plans for Sling TV Read Sling TV review |
| Spectrum | $40.00–$110.00/mo. | ✔ |
Check Availability Read Spectrum review |
| Verizon Fios | $105.00–$149.00/mo. | ✔ |
View Plans for Verizon Read Verizon Fios review |
| Xfinity | $35.00–$90.00/mo. | ✔ |
View Plans for Xfinity Read Xfinity review |
| YouTube TV | $82.99/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.
How can I watch the NHL Winter Classic for free?
Unfortunately, you’ll need a TV plan to watch the NHL Winter Classic on TNT. But you can still catch the game without spending a penny by signing up for a free streaming trial.
DIRECTV and YouTube TV are the only live TV streaming services that carry TNT and regularly offer free trials. Though sometimes Hulu + Live TV and Sling TV have sign-up deals—just be sure to cancel before the trial ends.
Pro tip: Unlike the Winter Classic, you can catch other nationally televised NHL games for free using an over-the-air (OTA) antenna to pick up your local ABC network.
How to watch the NHL Winter Classic FAQ
What time is the Winter Classic?
The 2026 NHL Winter Classic will begin at 8:00 p.m. ET on Friday, January 2. NHL on TNT will exclusively air the post-New Year's matchup, with a simulcast available on truTV.
Where is the 2026 Winter Classic being played?
For the first time in league history, the Winter Classic will be played in Florida. The game will take place at LoanDepot Park in Miami, the home of MLB's Miami Marlins.
How can I watch the Winter Classic without TNT?
This season's NHL Winter Classic is exclusive to TNT in the U.S. But HBO Max subscribers can stream the Winter Classic with a Standard or Premium subscription.
Can I watch the Winter Classic on ESPN?
No, ESPN won't air this season's NHL Winter Classic. But you can watch the NHL Stadium Series and other national NHL coverage across ESPN and its sister networks.
Why you should trust us
Our CableTV.com Sports Editor, Taylor Kujawa, researched and tested over a dozen TV providers to find the cheapest and most reliable way to watch the NHL Winter Classic. He examined cable, satellite, and live TV streaming services side by side, focusing on each provider’s pricing, channel availability, and sign-up process.
Check out our How We Rank page to learn more about our methods.
