Rogers Sportsnet announces landmark 10-year broadcast agreement for NHL
Hockey

TORONTO, Aug. 10 /CNW/ - Rogers Sportsnet today announced an unprecedented 10-year partnership with Alberta's two National Hockey League teams, under which Rogers Sportsnet will be the clubs' Official Television Broadcaster and provider of digital media content until 2020.

Beginning with the upcoming 2010-11 NHL season, Rogers Sportsnet West and Rogers Sportsnet ONE will combine to televise at least 58 Calgary Flames and 58 Edmonton Oilers games every year for 10 seasons within the Oilers and Flames regional territory which includes Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Northwest Territories and Nunavut.

This agreement will also mean Oilers and Flames fans will no longer have to rely on Pay-Per-View broadcasts in order to view games not otherwise being broadcast.

"Sportsnet has been a partner of both the Flames and Oilers since we launched back in 1998," said Doug Beeforth, President, Rogers Sportsnet.  "And as our relationship grew over the years, it became the foundation for this remarkable extension of the partnership.  We could not be more excited and delighted about today's announcement". 

Rogers Sportsnet ONE is a new 24-hour sports channel that will launch on Saturday, August 14th as the newest member of the Sportsnet family of channels, which includes Rogers Sportsnet West, the exclusive regional broadcaster of the Oilers and Flames since 1998.

"I would call this agreement a milestone event for our organization and for our wonderful fans," stated Patrick LaForge, Edmonton Oilers President and CEO. "Working together with Rogers Sportsnet, the Calgary Flames and the NHL, I believe we have created the most dynamic and dominant broadcast vehicle for our fans.  It is equal to any television partnership anywhere in the NHL."

"Rogers Sportsnet's agreement with the Flames and Oilers ensures years of high quality production, maximum exposure, and full fan participation with their favourite Alberta team," said Ken King, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Calgary Flames. "We are proud to be partners with Rogers Sportsnet."

NHL regional restrictions apply for Rogers Sportsnet West and Rogers Sportsnet ONE, with Flames and Oilers games made available to viewers in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Nunavut, and the Northwest Territories.

Schedule details for Oilers and Flames games on Rogers Sportsnet ONE and Rogers Sportsnet West will be announced at a later date.

For further information:

Adam Auckbaraullee, Communications Officer
[email protected]
416-764-6368

Dave Rashford, Director of Communications and On-Air Promotions
[email protected]
416 -764-6361