Follow me on Twitter Follow @TheJeremyLaura

It looks like it finally happened. After months of updates regarding Bally’s bankruptcy and ESPN issues, a major move for the NHL’s major partners took a big step forward yesterday. The parent company stock price went lower than shutdown levels, down from over $200 just over a year ago to $53.06. It looks like streaming is inevitable and sooner than many thought. The good news? Amazon could be injecting a good amount of cash into the deal.

It’s early in the negotiating but was signaled to during the last earnings call. The linear networks would either be spun off or moved to Disney+/Hulu (Hulu will be purchased in full by Disney as soon as January 2024). There is already some resistance, but this could bring stability along with the most expensive streaming service to date ($20 - $35 are initial estimates).

If you’re a Wings fan, you may not need to do anything if you already have cable with ESPN at first. There was confirmation that all the cancellations cost the network a lot of money. Potentially 500m per month. Center Ice, if kept available, will be whatever stream is provided. The hope is a cancellation of blackout broadcast. At that point, $20 per month (tier with commercials) isn’t horrible.

The NHL filed for financial aid in the Bally’s case which may not be there. That is the first step in getting 19 teams away from that deal. There are providers who still have contracts with ESPN, you just need to make sure that is available. If a full move goes into place, the decision on broadcast staff will be made.

There you have it, months of digging and court reports capped off by a huge market shift looks to be the final straw. ESPN will have a strong partner in Amazon and will likely be able to keep other sports and potentially even add to the mix. Keep checking with your provider as to where and if they have the broadcasts. More information will be available soon.

Join the Discussion: » 6 Comments » Post New Comment

» Thoughts on Raymond, rumors on Trouba update - Raymond moving a bit

» In just 10 days, wings prospects play, and please oh please sign your RFAs

» Seider’s buddy just got PAID, what it may mean for Detroit

» Edvinsson on NHL radar, quick note on ESPN vs. DirecTV

» Wings Redmond “Red” Savage gets “C” at MSU, Wings looking at Pacioretty?