00:00It's Benzinga, bringing Wall Street to Main Street.
00:02The NHL is seeking a 50% to 100% increase in national media rights fees
00:08as it prepares to negotiate new agreements with Disney slash ESPN
00:12and Skydance beginning January 1st, according to CNBC.
00:17Both media companies have expressed interest in renewing their agreements.
00:21The NHL signed a seven-year, $4.5 billion media rights deal
00:26with ESPN and TNT Sports in 2021.
00:30However, Skydance is prioritizing debt reduction
00:33and preparing for higher NFL rights costs.
00:36The NHL enters negotiations following a 25% increase
00:40in regular season viewership and record playoff audiences.
00:44Disney is particularly interested in acquiring more playoff games.
00:48Other potential bidders include Versant and Amazon.
00:51The outcome could establish a benchmark
00:54for upcoming sports media rights negotiations,
00:56including Major League Baseball.
00:58For all things money, visit Benzinga.com.
