The Columbus Blue Jackets have launched the Blue Jackets Hockey Network, an in-house streaming service produced by the NHL. The service distributes games via Spectrum TV, Fubo, and Amazon Prime Video, marking a shift away from traditional regional sports networks toward a direct-to-consumer hybrid model.
The move to an in-house model produced by the NHL reflects the ongoing collapse of the traditional regional sports network (RSN) ecosystem. By bypassing legacy RSNs to manage their own distribution, the Blue Jackets are prioritizing direct-to-consumer accessibility while maintaining a foothold in cable via Spectrum. This hybrid approach allows the team to capture high-margin digital revenue through Amazon Prime Video while mitigating the risk of total cord-cutting. As more teams face RSN insolvency, this NHL-produced template serves as a viable recovery strategy for mid-market franchises. Watch for the team to finalize additional carriage deals with satellite providers to close remaining distribution gaps.
This shift mirrors broader industry trends where organizations are taking control of their own distribution, similar to how the NCHC hires CSMG to manage its own streaming rights and media strategy. It also aligns with cable churn as fiber deployments continue to pressure traditional distribution models.
The Columbus Blue Jackets have launched the Blue Jackets Hockey Network, an in-house, NHL-produced broadcast model. This service replaces traditional regional sports networks by distributing 82 non-national games through a hybrid of cable and direct-to-consumer platforms. This shift highlights a growing trend of teams bypassing legacy networks to manage their own distribution.
It is an in-house, NHL-produced broadcast service that distributes 82 non-national regular-season games to fans through a hybrid of cable and direct-to-consumer platforms.
The service is available as an add-on subscription on Amazon Prime Video for $19.99 per month or $99.99 annually.
Spectrum TV remains the primary cable partner, requiring viewers to have specific Stream TV Pro or Select packages to access the network.
No, the network broadcasts 82 regular-season games, excluding two national windows that are aired on ESPN+ and TNT.
Add StreamingMeme as a preferred source on Google to see more of our streaming news at the top of your Search results.
Add as preferred source
