Minnesota Wild launches team-owned network with NHL centralized production support
The Minnesota Wild is launching a team-owned multimedia network to manage local television and direct-to-consumer streaming in collaboration with NHL Productions. The league's new centralized production services group will provide technical, engineering, and graphics support for the team's broadcasts starting in the 2026-27 season.
Key Takeaways
- The network becomes the exclusive local home for all regular-season games not designated for national broadcast on ABC, ESPN, or TNT.
- Centralized production services from NHL Productions will provide the team with studio programming, advanced graphics, and engineering support.
- A direct-to-consumer streaming option with monthly and annual subscription tiers will launch prior to the regular season.
- The Wild organization is taking full control of its local advertising inventory and media sales for the first time.
- Broadcast talent Anthony LaPanta and Ryan Carter are confirmed to remain with the team for the new network's debut.
Why It Matters
This move signals a definitive shift toward the 'team-as-a-broadcaster' model as the traditional regional sports network (RSN) ecosystem continues to fragment. By taking control of production and sales, the Wild can capture 100% of local ad revenue and dictate its DTC pricing, reducing exposure to the financial volatility of external RSN operators. For the league, the launch of centralized production services for the Wild and three other teams (Hurricanes, Blues, and Blue Jackets) establishes a scalable infrastructure to rescue local rights if more RSNs collapse. Watch for the official pricing of the DTC tier, which will set a benchmark for other mid-market NHL teams moving to self-distribution.
Additional Context
The Minnesota Wild's transition follows the broader decline of the regional sports network model, notably the restructuring of Diamond Sports Group. Per Sports Business Journal (July 2026), the Wild is one of four teams—including the St. Louis Blues, Carolina Hurricanes, and Columbus Blue Jackets—moving to the NHL's new centralized production arm following the closure of Main Street Sports Group-operated networks. This league-level initiative is supported by a significant multi-year investment in NHL Productions and the hiring of former MLB Network President Rob McGlarry to manage local media operations. The NHL's strategy mimics a precedent set by Major League Baseball, which began producing local games for teams like the San Diego Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks in 2023 after their RSN deals dissolved. Controlling the broadcast is particularly critical for the Wild given their high engagement levels. According to team data from the 2025-26 season, the Wild ranked in the top ten in household ratings among U.S. NHL teams and saw a 41% viewership spike following the acquisition of Quinn Hughes. With the team setting a cable record for a Second Round playoff game with 2.22 million viewers in 2026, the move to a team-owned network allows the organization to monetize this peak interest directly. Other teams are watching closely: the Anaheim Ducks are also reportedly exploring a move to league-led production after notifying their local streaming partner of plans to terminate their agreement, per Daily Faceoff (July 2026).
Read full article at nhl.com
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