TheTVApp NHL: Where to Watch Hockey Games Today (2026-27 Season)
Need NHL games today, an NHL live stream or a way to watch NHL live? The answer depends on your team, because hockey splits national games between two partners and leaves local games to regional deals that keep changing. This guide covers where NHL is officially shown on TV and streaming in the US in 2026-27.
The 2026-27 season opened on September 29 with a tripleheader on ESPN in the US. Reports say the national agreements with ESPN and ABC and with TNT Sports run through the 2027-28 season. Broadcast details can change, so confirm each game on the league’s schedule. TheTVApp (this website) is an independent guide and does not host or stream video. Last updated: October 30, 2026.
NHL on TV and live stream: where to watch NHL games in the US
ESPN and ABC and TNT Sports share the league’s national games in the US, and local rights are handled team by team. For current official listings, see the NHL’s official schedule.
| Broadcaster or service | What it carries | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| ESPN and ABC | National games, including the season opener, with some games on ESPN streaming, Disney+ or Hulu | Check which streaming service a game uses |
| TNT Sports | National games shared with ESPN | Check the schedule for dates and the streaming service |
| Local regional channels | Most regular-season games for your team | Rights differ by team |
| Prime Video | Reports say Prime Video is the local streaming home for six teams | Applies to specific teams and areas |
| Fubo and Spectrum | Reports say four teams have a carriage agreement with Fubo and Spectrum | Check if your team is included |
| Out-of-market packages | Games from other areas, through league packages | Blackout rules apply |
The 2026-27 NHL season at a glance
National partners
ESPN and ABC and TNT Sports in the US, with Sportsnet in Canada.
Contract length
Reports say the national agreements run through the 2027-28 season.
Local rights are changing
Local TV deals have shifted, and several teams now use new local streaming options.
Streaming windows
Some national games stream on ESPN streaming, Disney+ or Hulu.
Out-of-market fans
Fans outside a team’s area use league packages, which have blackout rules.
How to find where a game is on
Hockey fans usually hit one of two problems: a national game on the wrong app, or a local game with unclear rights. These steps cover both.
1
Open the official schedule
Use the NHL app or the league’s schedule page to see the date, start time and channel for each game.
2
See if it is a national game
Look for ESPN, ABC or TNT next to the game. If you see one, it follows that partner’s rules.
3
Look up your team’s local option
Find your team’s page for its regional channel or streaming service, because deals have changed in recent seasons.
4
Check out-of-market rules
If you live outside your team’s area, check the league package and its blackout rules.
5
Check your access
Confirm that your TV package, antenna or subscription covers the partner or local service before puck drop.
Watching the NHL without cable
Antenna for ABC games
Games on ABC are free over the air where you receive it.
Check your team’s local option
Your team may stream locally through Prime Video or a regional service.
Live TV bundles
Compare channel lists for ESPN, ABC and TNT.
League packages
Out-of-market packages cover games from other areas, with blackouts.
Why you may not find a game
Fast-changing local deals
Your team’s local channel or app may have changed since last season.
Two national partners
ESPN and TNT show games on different nights.
Streaming-only windows
Some national games are only on a streaming service such as ESPN streaming.
Blackout zones
League packages can block games that are local to your area.
Tripleheader days
Several games on one night can sit on different channels.
Watching on your TV or phone
ESPN, Disney+, Hulu, Prime Video and the league’s app all have apps for smart TVs, streaming sticks and phones. To open a website instead of an app, see our guides for Firestick, smart TVs and Android and iPhone.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where can I watch NHL games today for free?
Games on ABC are free with an antenna. Other games need a TV provider or a subscription.
Who has national NHL rights?
ESPN and ABC and TNT Sports in the US, according to published reports.
How do I watch my local team?
Check your team’s page. Local rights are changing, and some teams use Prime Video or a regional service.
Is there an NHL live stream on TheTVApp?
This site is a guide and does not run a stream, and we cannot verify that sites using the name hold NHL rights.
What if I live outside my team’s area?
Use the league’s out-of-market package, and check its blackout rules.
How can I watch NHL live on my phone?
Use the partner’s app, such as ESPN, or your team’s local streaming option.
Conclusion
NHL national games are shared by ESPN and ABC and TNT Sports, while local games depend on your team and where you live.
Check the league’s schedule and your team’s page, and make sure your access covers the service before puck drop.