For inquiries regarding Sportsnet+ offerings, please refer to its dedicated FAQ section.
Sportsnet NHL Blackout Explanations
Sportsnet clarifies that NHL broadcast blackouts are a direct result of regional regulations set forth by the National Hockey League. Since its establishment in 1998, Sportsnet has been contractually obligated to uphold these rules. This section aims to clarify the impact of these restrictions on viewers and outline where specific team telecasts are available across Canada.
Vancouver Canucks
Vancouver Canucks games, broadcast on Sportsnet Pacific or the Sportsnet ONE companion channel Sportsnet Vancouver Hockey, are exclusively available to viewers located in British Columbia and the Yukon.
Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers
Games featuring the Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers, shown on Sportsnet West or its Sportsnet ONE companion channels (Sportsnet Flames and Sportsnet Oilers), are restricted to viewers in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut.
Note for Manitoba Residents: As of the 2011-12 season, NHL blackout rules dictate that all Flames and Oilers games on these specific channels are unavailable to viewers in Manitoba.
Toronto Maple Leafs
What to Expect with One Sportsnet Channel in the Leafs Region:
Rogers Sportsnet Ontario, the official broadcaster of the Leafs, has expanded its coverage area, now spanning from Petawawa in the North to Kingston in the East. Viewers possessing a single Sportsnet channel, and residing west of a line drawn from Sudbury in the North and Brighton to the South (referred to as the `Yellow region`), will only be able to access Toronto Maple Leafs games on Sportsnet Ontario.
What to Expect with All Sportsnet Channels in the Leafs Region:
Viewers who have access to all Sportsnet channels and reside within the Toronto Maple Leafs` designated `Yellow region` territory will be able to watch games on Sportsnet Ontario. Conversely, those located in the `White region` (representing home territories) will only have access to games specific to their home region.
About Sportsnet ONE
Sportsnet ONE operates as a 24-hour national sports channel, delivering over 800 hours of compelling live-event programming annually. Its comprehensive schedule highlights major NBA matchups, including those featuring the Toronto Raptors, various MLB games with the Toronto Blue Jays, Premier League football, and NHL games involving the Vancouver Canucks, Calgary Flames, and Edmonton Oilers.
Important Note on Blackouts
It is crucial to understand that these NHL blackout decisions are not made by Sportsnet directly; the network is legally required to adhere to the boundary rules established by the NHL. Therefore, purchasing all four Sportsnet channels from your television provider will not grant access to out-of-market games beyond your specific Sportsnet region.
For further assistance or inquiries, please contact Sportsnet directly.