ESPN, the major international sports broadcaster, has landed exclusive rights in the US to the Kontinental Hockey League, the Russia-based professional ice hockey league.

Under the agreement, ESPN will stream more than 130 games this season on its ESPN+ OTT service, including all playoff and Gagarin Cup championship games.

Throughout the season, ESPN+ will stream two games per week, with all matches to feature English commentary.

The broadcaster’s coverage of the KHL began on Friday with Ak Bars Kazan’s 2-1 win over HC CSKA Moscow.

The KHL games add to the existing ice hockey coverage on ESPN+ this season, which includes the NHL after it acquired domestic rights in a seven-year deal from the upcoming 2021-22 season.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData