Fans still upset about ESPN's perceived lack of hockey coverage over the last few years will be happy to learn the network has won the U.S. broadcast rights to the World Cup of Hockey.
ESPN wins U.S. broadcast rights to World Cup of Hockey
The World Wide Leader beat out NBC and FOX.
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
According to TSN’s report on Tuesday, ESPN beat out both NBC and FOX to acquire the rights to the NHL’s newest international tournament. The league announced the return of the World Cup of Hockey in 2016 during the All-Star Break. Toronto will be the host city.
The NHL has not resided on ESPN airwaves since 2004, when the company decided not to bid on the NHL’s TV rights. Up until that point ESPN had a nightly NHL show and featured heavy coverage of the league.
Since losing the rights to NBC, ESPN has come under fire from fans and media for a perceived lack of hockey coverage. ESPN president John Skipper refuted those claims in 2013, saying the criticisms were “not fair”. At any rate, it appears ESPN will get a shot to mend those bridges with the World Cup of Hockey now.
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