Scandinavian media and entertainment giant Viaplay has extended its rights deal in the Nordics covering North American ice hockey's NHL, through the 2030-31 season.
The deal means Viaplay will carry on with a key set of rights that it has held in that ice hockey-loving region since 2009 (when it was called NENT). The last deal between Viaplay and the National Hockey League was unveiled in late 2020, and runs out at the conclusion of 2025-26.
The heavyweight broadcaster will air the regular season, the post-season playoffs, and additional highlights from all matches.
Erik Westberg, sports director at Viaplay, has said: "We have been the home ground of the NHL for many years and are happy to continue showing the world's best hockey on Viaplay. It feels hotter than ever with big stars and future Swedish players knocking on the door in the world's best hockey league."
This new deal has been unveiled with the NHL's 2025-26 post-season playoffs in full swing.
Top players from Scandinavia currently contracted to NHL teams include William Nylander, Victor Hedman, Erik Karlsson, and Rasmus Dahlin.
Domestically, meanwhile, rights to the league are held in the US by a combination of Warner Bros. Discovery and Disney (through ESPN and ABC), and in Canada by Rogers.
Earlier this month, positive viewing data was disclosed about TV coverage of the NHL playoffs.
