Why Do NHL Game Day Blackouts Occur on WCG TV Services?

NHL game day blackouts happen due to regional broadcasting rights, which are determined by sports teams and leagues. Here's how it works:

1. Regional Rights and Restrictions

• Teams own specific territories (such as Manitoba) and control which games are broadcast in that area.

• Only games within your region are available to watch live. For example, if you're in Manitoba, you won't be able to watch Toronto Maple Leafs or Ottawa Senators games on certain nights.

2. National Broadcast Rights

• Rogers Sportsnet has purchased the national broadcast rights for the NHL. This means national games, including Wednesday Night Hockey and Saturday's Hockey Night in Canada, are available for everyone with Sportsnet, CBC, or City TV.

• Rogers Sportsnet also broadcasts special events like the NHL All-Star Game and Winter Classics.

3. Regional Broadcasting

• For non-national games, broadcasters like Sportsnet and TSN have purchased regional broadcast rights.

• Fans can only watch games within their region. For example, fans in Manitoba can watch Winnipeg Jets games but won’t have access to games featuring out-of-region teams like the Maple Leafs or Senators.

4. Streaming Services and Regional Restrictions

• For streaming, your internet IP address determines your region and what games are available.

• Amazon Prime has secured broadcasting rights for Monday Night Hockey starting in the 2024-25 season. To watch, you'll need an Amazon Prime account.

What You Can Do

• National Broadcasts: If you subscribe to Sportsnet, CBC, or City TV, you’ll have access to national broadcasts like Wednesday Night Hockey and Hockey Night in Canada.

• Regional Games: To watch region-specific games, you'll need to be in the corresponding broadcast area (for example, Manitoba fans can watch Winnipeg Jets games).

Streaming: Ensure your IP address is within the correct region to access games available through streaming platforms.