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Disney Plus is expanding its hockey offering in Sweden and Finland through a new five-year agreement with the National Hockey League. The deal will give Nordic fans broader access to NHL games, including a significant number of matchups scheduled during regional primetime.
The agreement, announced Wednesday by the NHL and Disney, covers 160 regular season games. Of those contests, 50 will be scheduled during Nordic primetime, creating more opportunities for fans to watch live hockey at convenient local hours.
Disney Plus Delivers a Powerful NHL Boost in the Nordics
The agreement arrives shortly after ESPN launched on Disney Plus in Sweden and Finland. That development has helped create a broader sports platform for viewers in both markets, and the new NHL arrangement adds one of North America’s most popular leagues to the service’s growing international lineup.
For supporters of the San Jose Sharks, the news could be particularly meaningful. Swedish fans can follow players such as Alexander Wennberg and Ivar Stenberg, while Finnish viewers may be interested in Will Smith and Macklin Celebrini. Their presence gives local audiences a direct connection to the league and adds a strong regional angle to the NHL’s international strategy.
The NHL has long benefited from the influence of Nordic players. Sweden and Finland have produced generations of elite talent, and their contributions continue to shape the league. By putting more games in front of viewers across the region, Disney Plus and the NHL are positioning that connection as a central part of the viewing experience.
Why the Five-Year NHL Streaming Agreement Matters
David Proper, the NHL’s chief media officer and senior executive vice president, highlighted the league’s growing relationship with fans around the world in a statement cited by The Hockey News. He pointed to the success of Nordic-born players and the strength of the NHL product as important drivers of the league’s global appeal.
Proper also described Disney Plus and ESPN as valuable tools for expanding international reach. The partnership is designed not only to provide access to games but also to offer a broader perspective on NHL hockey and showcase the continuing impact of Nordic players.
- The agreement lasts for five years.
- Coverage includes 160 NHL regular season games.
- Fifty games will be scheduled during Nordic primetime.
- Swedish and Finnish fans will receive expanded viewing access.
- Select games will also be available on Finland’s Star Channel.
The primetime element is especially important. NHL games are often played in North America, meaning their live broadcasts can occur during inconvenient hours for European viewers. Scheduling 50 games during Nordic primetime may help attract casual sports fans who are less likely to watch overnight or early-morning broadcasts.
What Nordic Fans Can Expect From Disney Plus
The announcement does not indicate that every NHL game will be placed on Disney Plus in Sweden and Finland. Instead, it confirms coverage of 160 regular season games under the new agreement. Select games will also be carried on the Star Channel in Finland, giving Finnish viewers another way to watch certain matchups.
Fans will likely be watching closely for the final schedule, including which games receive primetime placement. Matchups featuring Nordic stars could become especially attractive programming choices, as viewers may want to follow familiar players competing on the international stage.
The deal also strengthens Disney’s position in the sports streaming market. With ESPN now available through Disney Plus in these markets, the NHL agreement adds premium live sports to a platform already working to broaden its appeal. For subscribers, that could mean a more convenient destination for entertainment and sports content.
A Major Step for the NHL’s Global Growth
The NHL’s latest agreement reflects a larger effort to make the league easier to follow outside North America. International media rights have become increasingly important as leagues seek new audiences, and Nordic countries remain strategically valuable because of their deep hockey traditions and long history of producing NHL talent.
For the NHL, the arrangement offers a chance to turn player popularity into stronger game viewership. For Disney Plus, it provides compelling live programming that can help attract and retain sports-focused subscribers. And for fans in Sweden and Finland, the biggest benefit is straightforward: more NHL hockey will be available through familiar television and streaming options.
As the 2026-27 season approaches, the focus will shift to the schedule and the specific games selected for Nordic primetime. Regardless of the final lineup, the five-year agreement marks a significant expansion of NHL coverage in the region and creates a promising new chapter for international hockey audiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many NHL games will Disney Plus show?
The agreement covers 160 NHL regular season games in Sweden and Finland. Fifty of those games will be scheduled during Nordic primetime.
How long is the NHL and Disney Plus agreement?
The agreement between the NHL and Disney Plus will run for five years.
Will all NHL games be available on Disney Plus?
The announcement confirms coverage of 160 regular season games, but it does not state that every NHL game will be available on the service.
Will Finnish fans have another way to watch selected games?
Yes. The agreement states that select games will also be available on Finland’s Star Channel.
Which players could interest Nordic viewers?
Swedish viewers may follow Alexander Wennberg and Ivar Stenberg, while Finnish fans may be interested in Will Smith and Macklin Celebrini.
