MLBAM takes over NHL’s digital rights

The Major League Baseball Advanced Media division of Major League Baseball has confirmed a digital rights deal with the NHL ice hockey league in North America.

The deal will run for six years, from 2016 to 2021.

Under the agreement, MLBAM will take over the NHL’s online, mobile and streaming operations, with league-owned pay-television broadcaster MLB Network operating the NHL Network in a US production facility.

MLBAM will have exclusive rights to distribute live, out-of-market NHL coverage in the US and certain international markets, including via the NHL GameCenter Live subscription service.

MLBAM will also have exclusive rights to distribute live, out-of-market coverage via the NHL Center Ice subscription service in the US to cable, satellite and over-the-air broadcasters.

The deal will be activated in January, with the NHL’s existing digital partner NeuLion assisting the league and MLBAM during the transition period.

“As the market leader, MLBAM is uniquely qualified to assist us in giving hockey fans a richer, more immersive experience with the game,” NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said. “MLBAM is also the right partner because they have the expertise to help us deliver new and exciting products to our fans, who crave compelling digital content.”