NHL Eyes Early ESPN, TNT Rights Renewal

Gary Bettman moves fast, reportedly pitching early media rights extensions to ESPN and TNT before the NFL juggernaut reshapes the landscape. With current deals expiring in 2028, the commissioner smells opportunity amid broadcasters reallocating budgets post-NBA shifts at TNT. This could lock in prime slots and bigger bucks for NHL showcases, but front offices watch closely as national exposure dictates player values and free-agent chases.