The National Hockey League is being brought to Australian audiences free-to-air via a landmark partnership with Channel Nine.
Kicking off on Saturday, October 18th, a live NHL game will be broadcast every Saturday morning throughout the 2025/26 season, available to watch on 9GO! and 9Now, giving Australian fans unprecedented access to the fast-paced, high-stakes action of the sport.
Nine and the NHL have also developed a bespoke broadcast feed specifically for the Australian market, produced by NHL Productions. It will provide viewers with a tailored experience, featuring dedicated commentators providing play-by-play analysis, and customised intermission coverage with in-depth commentary, player profiles, and explainers on the rules of the game to excite both new and existing fans.
The season will take a break from February 6th-24th for the 2026 Olympic Winter Games, which Nine is also broadcasting. Nine’s commentary team will highlight this exciting storyline, connecting fans with the players who will be representing their countries on the world stage and building anticipation the games.
Brent Williams, Nine’s Director of Sport, said: “We are incredibly excited to partner with the NHL to bring the fastest game on ice to Australian homes, free-to-air. This isn’t just a broadcast – it’s a tailored viewing experience. By creating a dedicated feed with local commentary and specialised content, we are committed to growing the sport in Australia and giving fans the best possible coverage.
“The link to the Winter Olympics provides a fantastic narrative that will build excitement for what is a huge event on the Nine calendar.”
Daniel Kim, NHL Executive Vice President, Media & International Strategy, said: “We are thrilled Nine shares our commitment to delivering live games to more fans across Australia. “The overwhelming success of the NHL Global Series Melbourne coupled with the growing enthusiasm for our grassroots, learn-to-play hockey initiatives and increasing social media engagement across our dedicated channels underscore the impact of our investment in Australia.”
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In 2023, the Los Angeles Kings and Arizona Coyotes faced off in the NHL Global Series-Melbourne, the first-ever NHL games in the Southern Hemisphere, featuring a pair of sold-out preseason games.
The week-long celebration also included three days of the NHL Global Fan Tour, the League’s traveling fan festival, and coaching, officiating and youth hockey clinics.
St. Louis Blues forward Nathan Walker is the first Australian to play in the League. He is currently in his eighth NHL season.
