La Voix de l’Est: A New Era for French NHL Broadcasting in Canada

For hockey fans in Quebec and across Canada, the passion for the game is unmatched. Now, that passion has a guaranteed home. In a move that cements its position as la voix de l’est (the voice of the east) for sports fans, Québecor has officially secured the French-language broadcasting rights for the NHL starting with the 2026-27 season.

A Game-Changing Agreement for Hockey Fans

Starting in 2026, the landscape of how we watch the NHL in French will evolve. Québecor will hold the rights to broadcast up to 350 regular-season NHL games. This massive deal ensures that the excitement of professional hockey remains accessible and vibrant for the Francophone community.

The coverage will be seamlessly integrated across multiple high-performance platforms, ensuring fans can watch wherever they are:

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• TVA Sports: The primary destination for live action.
• TVA Sports Direct: Optimized for digital streaming.
• Illico+: Expanding the ecosystem for even greater accessibility.

More Montreal Canadiens Action Than Ever Before

The real crown jewel of this agreement is the expanded coverage of the Montreal Canadiens. For every fan of the Tricolore, the 2026-27 season promises more intensity and more access. The new deal includes:

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• 32 regular-season games dedicated to the Canadiens (an increase of 10 games over the previous agreement).
• Comprehensive Playoff Coverage: Six of the eight first-round games and three of the four second-round matchups.
• Exclusive Access: Complete exclusivity for the Conference Finals and the legendary Stanley Cup Final.

Whether it’s a regular-season clash or the high-stakes pressure of the playoffs, Québecor is positioning itself as the definitive source for all things Habs.

Leadership Perspectives: Uniting the Fans

Pierre Karl Péladeau, President and CEO of Québecor, emphasized the cultural importance of this deal. He noted that premium sports content, particularly NHL hockey, remains a unique lever for bringing large audiences together in real-time, continuing a long tradition of unity among Francophones in Canada.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman also praised the partnership, stating that the expanded agreement with Rogers and Québecor reflects a shared commitment to growing the sport and making the greatest moments of hockey accessible to all audiences.

The Big Picture: A Long-Term Vision

This agreement is part of a broader strategic vision for the league in Canada. Last year, the NHL and Rogers announced a landmark 12-year national media rights deal spanning from the 2026-27 season through to 2037-38. This ensures stability and growth for the sport’s visibility across all platforms for over a decade.

As we approach 2026, the anticipation is building. With more games, better platforms, and a commitment to the French-speaking community, the la voix de l’est is ready to bring the roar of the crowd into every home across the province.