The league initially launched its streaming service as NHL GameCenter Live in 2008. For users in Canada and the United States, as well as in other countries with "in-market" NHL broadcasters, it only allowed the live streaming of out-of-market live games.[1]
Per its exclusive national television and digital rights contract that started during the 2014–15 season, Rogers Communications, owner of the Sportsnet networks, took over the distribution and marketing of the NHL's internet services in Canada. The Canadian package was then initially re-branded as Rogers NHL GameCentre Live, Canadian users began using a "MyRogers" login account instead of one directly on NHL.com, and it also offered the live streaming of national games produced by Sportsnet.[7] For the first season, it only offered in-market streaming for teams that Sportsnet held broadcast rights, and a TV authentication system was then adding in 2015–16 to allow in-market streaming for TSN-produced regional games. Rogers GameCentre Live also offered "GamePlus", a component featuring alternate camera angles, such as net cams, point-of-view cams, and sky cams.[8][9] For the 2018–19 season, Rogers discontinued all free trials and the additional GamePlus features.[10] For the 2019–20 season, the brand name for the service was shortened to NHL Live.
On August 4, 2015, the NHL announced a six-year deal with MLB Advanced Media (MLBAM), in which the company took over the operations of the NHL's digital properties, beginning in January 2016. MLBAM then distributed GameCenter Live under the new name NHL.TV.[11][12][13]
As part of ESPN's media deal that began in the 2021–22 season, the NHL's out-of-market internet services in the United States was incorporated into the ESPN+ streaming service.[14] That same year, NHL Live in Canada became available at no extra cost to subscribers of Sportsnet+ Premium.[15]
Sportradar took over the operations of NHL.TV for the 2022–23 season.[16] Also, the separate NHL Live service in Canada was discontinued and all games were incorporated into Sportsnet+ Premium.[17]
On July 30, 2025, the NHL announced a global digital rights deal with DAZN. Under the agreement, NHL.TV moved to DAZN as part of or as an add-on subscription in around 200 countries, replacing the league's deal with Sportradar.[2][3][6]
