Pro hockey heads outside for the first time this season with the NHL Winter Classic on January 2, 2023. Fenway Park in Boston hosts the game’s 14th edition, but you don’t need to travel to Massachusetts in January to watch it live. Instead, you can enjoy the game from the warm comfort of your home with any TV plan that includes TNT.
Keep scrolling to learn more about how to watch the NHL Winter Classic—including which TV providers carry TNT.
What channels show the NHL Winter Classic?
In the US, the 2023 NHL Winter Classic will air live on TNT at 2:00 p.m. eastern on January 2.
Canada-based viewers can catch the game with English-language commentary on Sportsnet, while TVA Sports will carry Canadian French–language coverage.
Pro tip: Fenway Park offers more for outdoor hockey fans the weekend after the Winter Classic when the MLB stadium hosts the Frozen Fenway college hockey series. You can catch the women’s doubleheader on January 6 via ESPN+ and NESN, while NESN will air the men’s games on January 7.
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. But if you’re looking for the cheapest TV plan and already have reliable internet, we recommend subscribing to Sling TV.
The Sling Orange plan costs $40 a month and comes with TNT, so you’ll be set for the Winter Classic. It also includes TBS, ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN3 for more national NHL coverage—meaning you won’t miss the All-Star Game and NHL Playoffs if you stay subscribed beyond January.
You can also take your Sling TV base plan to the next level with the Sports Extra add-on (starting at $11 a month). That’ll get you NHL Network, ESPNews, ESPNU, and college conference networks—a crucial lineup of channels for watching the NCAA Men’s Ice Hockey Championship. (You’ll need ESPN+ to watch the women’s tournament.)
Which TV providers show the NHL Winter Classic?
Most TV providers carry the NHL Winter Classic—the notable exception being fuboTV, which doesn’t have Turner Sports channels like TNT and TBS. To illustrate this, we’ve listed 12 popular TV providers in the table below—highlighting which ones carry TNT.
| Provider | TNT | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Cox | ✔ |
View plans Read Cox Review |
| DIRECTV | ✔ |
View plans Read DIRECTV Review |
| DIRECTV STREAM | ✔ |
View plans Read DIRECTV STREAM Review |
| DISH | ✔ |
View plans Read DISH Review |
| fuboTV | — |
View plans Read fuboTV Review |
| Hulu + Live TV | ✔ |
View plans Read Hulu + Live TV Review |
| Optimum | ✔ |
View plans Read Optimum Review |
| Philo | — |
View plans Read Philo Review |
| Sling TV | ✔ |
View plans Read Sling TV Review |
| Spectrum | ✔ |
View plans Read Spectrum Review |
| Xfinity | ✔ |
View plans Read Xfinity Review |
| YouTube TV | ✔ |
View plans Read YouTube TV Review |
Data effective as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
How to 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.
YouTube TV is the only live TV streaming service that carries TNT and regularly offers a free trial. Though, sometimes Hulu + Live TV and Sling TV have free trials available—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. That’s one of our recommended ways of watching this season’s NHL All-Star Game.
Final take
As a new year begins, the NHL schedule revs up with key national games like the NHL Winter Classic, NHL Stadium Series, and NHL All-Star Game.
One of the best ways to watch these major fixtures is to sign up for Sling TV. For only $40 a month, its Sling Orange base plan comes with ESPN and TNT—essential NHL channels. TNT is particularly important this season because it airs the Winter Classic and the Stanley Cup Final.
How to Watch the NHL Winter Classic FAQ
What time is the Winter Classic?
Coverage of the 2023 NHL Winter Classic will begin at 2:00 p.m. eastern on Monday, January 2.
How can I watch the Winter Classic without TNT?
This season’s NHL Winter Classic is exclusive to TNT in the US. Unless you plan to attend the match in person, you’ll need the channel to watch the game live.
Can I watch the Winter Classic on ESPN?
No, ESPN won’t air the 2023 NHL Winter Classic. But you can watch the 2023 NHL Stadium Series via ABC and ESPN+ on February 18.
Methodology
Our sports experts researched and tested a dozen TV providers to find the cheapest and most reliable way to watch the NHL Winter Classic. We 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.
