Disney reveals 100 exclusive NHL games across ABC ESPN ESPN+ and Hulu

ESPN and Disney announce the 2025-26 NHL schedule with 100 exclusive games across ABC ESPN ESPN+ and Hulu.

Disney Secures 100 NHL Games Across ABC ESPN ESPN+ and Hulu

ESPN and Disney released the 2025-26 NHL regular season schedule, featuring 100 exclusive games across ABC, ESPN, ESPN+ and Hulu. The slate includes the Opening Night tripleheader, Frozen Frenzy, the Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series, and the start of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs in mid April, finishing with the Stanley Cup Final in June. All games will stream on the ESPN App via direct-to-consumer access or Pay TV authentication, with additional coverage planned on The Point, ESPN’s NHL studio show.

ESPN emphasizes the ESPN App as a central hub for live games, stats, fantasy sports, and personalized content. The company also outlines a bundled option offering ESPN DTC with Disney+ and Hulu for 29.99 per month for the first year. In addition, NHL Power Play will provide 1,050+ out-of-market games on the ESPN App, with multiple live streams and replays of regular season and playoff games across ABC, ESPN, NHL Network and TNT on various platforms.

The deal marks a decisive push into direct-to-consumer streaming, blending marquee network broadcasts with extensive digital access. It raises questions about accessibility and cost for fans who rely on traditional cable or local broadcasts, and about how advertisers will value a more fragmented viewing landscape. The package could broaden reach for Disney and ESPN but may intensify pressure on prices if subscribers feel the value does not match the cost. Investors will watch subscriber growth, ARPU, and churn as telltale signs of how durable this streaming-first approach will be.

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Time will tell how fans adapt to a streaming heavy NHL season and what it means for pricing and accessibility.