ESPN and NHL announce a brand new, historic agreement

This just in, the NHL and ESPN have announced a seven year, $2.8 billion dollar deal that will see NHL games broadcast on multiple cable outlets, streaming platforms and will include Stanley Cup Final games on ABC.

Check it out:

The deal, which is believed to be worth $416 million per season covers roughly half of the NHL's U.S. broadcasting and streaming rights, meaning that league could come to another agreement with an ESPN/ABC competitor like NBC or Fox. It's worth noting that the NHL's current deal with NBC Sports pays them $200 million per season for 100% exclusive broadcasting rights.

Suffice it to say that the NHL's new deal with ESPN is a whopping win for Gary Bettman and NHL team owners.

More on the deal, from NHL.com:

It is highlighted by: exclusive coverage of the Stanley Cup Final on ABC in four of the seven years of the agreement, with the ability to simulcast/megacast on ESPN+ and additional ESPN networks; the return of live NHL action to ESPN networks with 25 exclusive national regular-season games on ABC or ESPN; 75 national regular-season games per season produced by ESPN that will stream exclusively on both ESPN+ and Hulu; half of the Stanley Cup Playoffs on ABC and ESPN each season; and coverage annually of NHL's Face-off (opening night games), the NHL All-Star Game and Skills Challenge, plus other NHL special events each season.

Additionally, the NHL's out-of-market streaming package, with more than 1,000 games (formerly on NHL.TV), will now be available for fans to stream only as part of an ESPN+ subscription.

The agreement also includes extensive highlight rights that will add to coverage across ESPN's year-round news and highlights programming, and to coverage on the ESPN App and social media. International media rights - including in Latin America, the Caribbean and parts of Europe - are also part of the agreement.

This is certain to make NHL franchises skyrocket in value during a time when the business has been hit harder than every. Full credit to NHL commissioner Gary Bettman on this one. While a large portion of NHL owners wanted to shutter the 2020-21 season to save money, Bettman pushed on knowing that he'd be in a better position to broker a multi-billion dollar broadcasting deal by remaining open. He gambled and he won BIG time. Kudos, Mr. Bettman.