"Commissioner Gary Bettman probably doesn’t care": Seasoned Toronto columnist blasts Rogers, NHL deal worth $7.7B for Canadian TV rights

By Abhilasha Aditi

Modified Apr 02, 2025 15:40 GMT

NHL: Calgary Flames at Edmonton Oilers - Source: Imagn — Steve Simmons criticized Rogers Sportsnet’s new 12-year deal (Source: Imagn)

Toronto columnist Steve Simmons criticized Rogers Communications' new 12-year, CAD 11 billion (7.7B USD) NHL broadcast deal. He said the network has lowered the quality of Hockey Night in Canada. He believes Canadian hockey fans are the real losers in this deal.

Simmons wrote in Tuesday's Toronto Sun column that Hockey Night in Canada was once the best in hockey. Now, he says, it has become the cheapest.

"Hockey Night used to be the best of the best and now it’s the cheapest of the cheap. Sportsnet killed that golden goose and has 12 more seasons now to try and get this right." Simmons wrote.

Simmons questioned why the league chose Sportsnet again despite its declining coverage. He compared it to TNT, which has improved its hockey broadcasts. He also noted that Rogers lost money on its previous $5.2 billion deal.

Simmons added,

"And, in this case overall, commissioner Gary Bettman probably doesn't care."

Simmons criticized Edward Rogers for controlling major Canadian sports teams and media. He said this could turn Toronto hockey coverage into an infomercial. He also mentioned that industry insiders were surprised by the deal, so he has little confidence that Sportsnet will improve.

Some fans are unhappy with the league's new agreement.

Gary Bettman's statement on NHL's new deal with Rogers

Commissioner Gary Bettman praised Rogers for its work in broadcasting hockey over the past decade.

"For more than a decade, Rogers has done an incredible job of conveying what NHL hockey, our players and our teams mean to hockey fans and their communities from coast to coast to coast," Bettman said, via The Athletic.

Bettman said the league is excited to continue its partnership with Rogers for another 12 years. He mentioned that both the NHL and Rogers want to serve hockey fans in Canada.

Bettman said fewer regional blackouts will make it easier for people to watch the games across the country.

About the author

Abhilasha is an NHL writer at Sportskeeda. Holding a Bachelor of Business Administration degree, her interest in writing hockey was piqued after watching an NHL skills video on YouTube. The 2023 Stanley Cup Finale series between the Vegas Golden Knights and Florida Panthers was among the most iconic games she has seen and it left an impact on her.

Her reporting strengths include covering news stories and following stars like McDavid, Matthews and Alex Ovechkin, among others.

Abhilasha is a huge fan of the Edmonton Oilers and Colorado Avalanche because of their skilled forwards, while her favorite players include Wayne Gretzky, Auston Matthews, Connor McDavid, Sidney Crosby and Connor Bedard. For her, John Tortorella is the greatest coach ever.

Abhilasha has over 3 years of experience writing content for different products and websites, along with handling social media content for various brands. She values using credible sources when writing and likes to identify fake and false narratives.

Abhilasha’s hobbies include spiritual reading, staying updated on the latest makeup trends, fitness and exploring new destinations through travel.

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Edited by Ribin Peter