Covington Advises NHL on $5B Broadcast Deal

WASHINGTON, DC, November  26, 2013 — Covington advised the National Hockey League in negotiating its twelve-year, C$5.2 billion agreement with Rogers Communications for national broadcast and multimedia rights to NHL games, including the Stanley Cup Playoffs and the Stanley Cup Final, in Canada.

The agreement is the largest media rights deal in NHL history and the largest-ever sports-media rights agreement in Canadian history. The partnership between the NHL and Rogers begins with the 2014-15 season and runs through the 2025-26 season. The deal remains subject to approval by the NHL's Board of Governors.

As part of the agreement, Rogers announced that CBC will continue to broadcast Hockey Night in Canada, and TVA has all of the Canadian French-language multi-media rights.

"Our fans always want to explore deeper and more emotional connections to NHL hockey, and that is precisely what Rogers has promised to deliver over the next 12 years -- channeling the reach of its platforms and the intensity of its passion for the game into an unparalleled viewing experience," NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said in a joint press release issued by the League and Rogers. "The NHL is extremely excited about the power and potential of this groundbreaking partnership."

The Covington corporate team included Doug Gibson, Pete Zern, and Kyle Rabe. Jeremy Spector provided tax support.