NEW YORK — In a groundbreaking move for Australian sports broadcasting, Nine and the National Hockey League (NHL) have announced a landmark partnership that will bring the excitement of professional ice hockey to Australian audiences free-to-air. Starting Saturday, October 18, 9GO! will air a live NHL game every Saturday morning throughout the 2025/26 regular season, offering fans unprecedented access to 21 regular-season games.
The broadcast will kick off with a thrilling match-up between the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Detroit Red Wings at 10:00 am AEDT on 9GO! and 9Now. This initiative marks a significant expansion of the NHL’s international reach, providing Australian sports enthusiasts with a front-row seat to the fast-paced, high-stakes action of the NHL.
Customized Broadcast for Australian Viewers
In a unique collaboration, Nine and the NHL have developed a bespoke broadcast feed specifically tailored for the Australian market. Produced by NHL Productions from its state-of-the-art studio in New York City, the feed promises a tailored viewing experience. It will feature dedicated commentators who will provide play-by-play commentary and analysis designed for Australian audiences.
The broadcast will also include customized intermission coverage, offering in-depth analysis, player profiles, and explainers on the rules of the game. This approach aims to engage both new and existing fans, enhancing their understanding and enjoyment of the sport.
Significance of the 2025-26 NHL Season
The 2025-26 NHL season carries additional significance as it will pause from February 6-24 for the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Nine’s commentary team will spotlight this storyline, connecting fans with players who will represent their countries on the world stage. This connection is expected to build anticipation for Nine’s exclusive coverage of the Winter Olympics.
Brent Williams, Nine’s Director of Sport, expressed his enthusiasm:
“We are incredibly excited to partner with the NHL to bring the fastest game on ice to Australian homes, free-to-air. This isn’t just a broadcast – it’s a tailored viewing experience. By creating a dedicated feed with local commentary and specialised content, we are committed to growing the sport in Australia and giving fans the best possible coverage. The link to the Winter Olympics provides a fantastic narrative that will build excitement for what is a huge event on the Nine calendar.”
Growing Interest in Ice Hockey Down Under
The announcement comes as interest in ice hockey continues to grow in Australia. The overwhelming success of the NHL Global Series Melbourne, which featured the Los Angeles Kings and Arizona Coyotes in the first-ever NHL games in the Southern Hemisphere, underscores this trend. The event included sold-out preseason games, a three-day NHL Global Fan Tour, and various hockey clinics.
Daniel Kim, NHL Executive Vice President, Media & International Strategy, highlighted the partnership’s potential:
“We are thrilled Nine shares our commitment to delivering live games to more fans across Australia. The overwhelming success of the NHL Global Series Melbourne coupled with the growing enthusiasm for our grassroots, learn-to-play hockey initiatives and increasing social media engagement across our dedicated channels underscore the impact of our investment in Australia.”
Implications and Future Prospects
The partnership between Nine and the NHL represents a significant step in expanding the league’s global footprint. By offering free-to-air access to NHL games, the collaboration aims to cultivate a new fan base in Australia, potentially leading to increased participation in ice hockey at the grassroots level.
As the NHL continues to invest in international markets, the success of this initiative could pave the way for similar partnerships in other regions. For Australian fans, the opportunity to experience the thrill of NHL games live and for free marks a new era in sports broadcasting.
With the Olympic Winter Games on the horizon, the collaboration between Nine and the NHL not only promises to deliver exciting sports content but also to foster a deeper connection between Australian viewers and the global ice hockey community. The coming months will reveal the full impact of this partnership on the Australian sports landscape.
