Nine, NHL announce partnership to televise video games in Australia

NEW YORK — Nine and the National Hockey League (NHL) right now introduced a landmark media partnership that may convey the world’s premier skilled ice hockey league to Australian audiences free-to-air.

Starting Saturday, Oct. 18, 9GO! will broadcast a stay NHL sport each Saturday morning all through the 2025/26 common season. The partnership will ship 21 regular-season video games, giving Australian sports activities followers unprecedented entry to the fast-paced, high-stakes motion of the NHL. The motion begins at 10:00 am AEDT on 9GO! and 9Now with an exciting match-up between the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Detroit Red Wings.

In a novel collaboration, Nine and the NHL have developed a bespoke broadcast feed particularly for the Australian market. Produced by NHL Productions in its state-of-the-art studio in New York City, the feed will present viewers with a tailor-made expertise, that includes:

● Dedicated commentators offering play-by-play commentary and evaluation tailor-made for the Australian viewers.

● Customised intermission protection with in-depth evaluation, participant profiles and explainers on the foundations of the sport to interact each new and present followers.

The 2025-26 NHL season is especially vital because the League will pause from Feb. 6-24 because the world’s prime NHL gamers compete within the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Nine’s commentary workforce will spotlight this thrilling storyline, connecting followers with the gamers who might be representing their international locations on the world stage and constructing anticipation for Nine’s unique protection of the Olympic Winter Olympics.

Brent Williams, Nine’s Director of Sport, stated: “We are incredibly excited to partner with the NHL to bring the fastest game on ice to Australian homes, free-to-air. This isn’t just a broadcast – it’s a tailored viewing experience. By creating a dedicated feed with local commentary and specialised content, we are committed to growing the sport in Australia and giving fans the best possible coverage. The link to the Winter Olympics provides a fantastic narrative that will build excitement for what is a huge event on the Nine calendar.”

“We are thrilled Nine shares our commitment to delivering live games to more fans across Australia,” stated Daniel Kim, NHL Executive Vice President, Media & International Strategy. “The overwhelming success of the NHL Global Series Melbourne coupled with the growing enthusiasm for our grassroots, learn-to-play hockey initiatives and increasing social media engagement across our dedicated channels underscore the impact of our investment in Australia.”

In 2023, the Los Angeles Kings and Arizona Coyotes confronted off within the NHL Global Series-Melbourne, the first-ever NHL video games within the Southern Hemisphere that includes a pair of sold-out preseason video games. The week-long celebration additionally included three days of the NHL Global Fan Tour, the League’s touring fan competition, and training, officiating and youth hockey clinics.

St. Louis Blues ahead Nathan Walker is the primary participant of Australian nationality to play within the League. He is at present in his eighth NHL season.