PWHL announces ‘Hockey Night in Canada’ for 2026-27 season
Hockey Night in Canada is back for its 90th season, but it will look different after Sportsnet and Canada’s public broadcaster, the CBC, failed to agree to continue the show’s 90-year run of NHL broadcasts.
In place of the NHL, the PWHL will take center stage on CBC Saturday nights eight times during the 2026-27 season, continuing the famed TV programme and offering Canadians free, over-the-air hockey this winter.
CBC maintained ownership of the intellectual property and branding of Hockey Night in Canada through its deal with Rogers, which has used the brand on Sportsnet’s Saturday night hockey broadcasts since 2013. However, the CBC did not earn significant ad revenue from those broadcasts, despite allowing Sportsnet’s Hockey Night in Canada to air on its channels and often stream it for free on its web platforms.
Now, the PWHL has been elevated into the role, maintaining a strong relationship with Canada’s public broadcaster, which has led the way in showcasing the league since the inaugural puckdrop in 2024.
The first game of the new programme will feature the expansion PWHL Hamilton against the reigning Walter Cup champion Montréal Victoire on Dec. 5, the opening Saturday of the league’s fourth season. The sets, talent and most aspects of the show will differ from what hockey fans have become accustomed to with Hockey Night in Canada over the last two decades and from what has been shown since 2021, when the broadcast moved from CBC’s headquarters to Sportsnet’s.
“Hockey Night in Canada is a fixture in Canadian sports culture, and its Saturday night schedule has ritually captivated hockey fans for nearly a century,” said Amy Scheer, PWHL executive vice president of business operations. “Our partnership with CBC has been instrumental in the accessibility and growth of the league, and the opportunity to be part of this iconic brand represents another groundbreaking step for the PWHL to connect with our fans and forge new traditions together.”
In addition to the eight Hockey Night in Canada broadcasts, CBC’s Saturday nights will feature “CBC Sports Primetime,” anchored by Olympic sports, including a landmark deal with the Grand Slam of Curling, and international speed skating and figure skating through the fall. Longtime CBC host and former Hockey Night in Canada reporter Andi Petrillo will anchor the coverage, alongside her work on Amazon’s NHL hockey package.
“I was so excited,” said PWHL Hamilton’s Brianne Jenner. “As a Canadian, and as a Canadian hockey player, you grew up with Saturday night Hockey Night in Canada. I remember the sights and sounds of that in my living room growing up, so having our league featured in year four is amazing. I think the momentum that we have as a league is exciting for us as players, and I think our fan base is going to be thrilled.”