SALT LAKE CITY — Excitement filled the Delta Center as a sellout crowd cheered on the Utah Hockey Club during their much-anticipated debut against the Blackhawks! However, for fans hoping to catch the action at home, tuning in is a bit more complex, especially if they use the state’s leading cable provider.
Utah HC is among five NHL teams utilizing a hybrid local broadcast model, combining free over-the-air games with paid streaming, a response to the widespread closures of regional sports networks. In this setup, the teams—who are covering production and distribution costs—are eager to have their games available through cable and satellite to maximize viewership.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman expressed disappointment that Comcast Xfinity hasn’t picked up “Utah 16,” a channel from Scripps Sports packed with replays. They’re currently in talks regarding a retransmission fee for a channel Comcast hasn’t previously carried. Bettman noted, “I’m hoping a wave of demand will lead them to rethink their stance or consider other options.”
This partnership with Scripps Sports was established when the Utah HC was still aligned with the Arizona Coyotes before relocating to Salt Lake City. It highlights the ongoing battle over distribution, echoing issues faced by sport fans with various cable and streaming services for years. Notably, the new Chicago Sports Network, which broadcasts the White Sox and Bulls, also has yet to reach an agreement with Comcast in Chicago.
When questioned about potential impacts on the NHL‘s revenue during upcoming collective bargaining agreement negotiations, Bettman remained optimistic, stating, “No, we set a revenue record last year and expect to do the same this year—with our clubs adapting market by market, we believe they’ll be just fine.
