Disney+ takes major NHL package in Sweden and Finland
September 16, 2026 10.21 Europe/London By Julian Clover


Disney+ has secured a five-year package of NHL rights in Sweden and Finland, giving ESPN a significant presence in two of Europe’s strongest ice hockey markets alongside long-standing rights holder Viaplay.

Beginning with the 2026/27 season, Disney+ will stream 160 regular-season games, including 50 guaranteed in Nordic primetime, together with 20 games from the opening two rounds of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The agreement also includes shared rights to the Conference Finals and Stanley Cup Final.

Karl Holmes, General Manager, Disney+ EMEA, said: “In Sweden and Finland, hockey isn’t just watched, it’s a passion shared across generations. From overtime winners to the race for the Stanley Cup, there’s nothing quite like the NHL. With so many Swedish and Finnish stars, we’re excited to bring the NHL to customers, adding another brilliant competition to our growing lineup of live sport.”

The agreement represents a significant expansion of Disney+’s developing European sports proposition. Viaplay has been the NHL’s principal Nordic broadcast partner for more than 15 years and has itself recently renewed its NHL rights through the 2030/31 season.

David Proper, Chief Media Officer & Senior Executive Vice President, NHL said: “The NHL’s connection to fans across the Nordic region and internationally has never been stronger, driven by the success of both Nordic-born players in the NHL and our tremendous on-ice product overall.”

The wider lineup in the region also features college sports such as the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournaments (March Madness), college football playoffs and bowl games, as well as events including the Little League World Series and the Savannah Bananas. Customers can also access ESPN’s acclaimed 30 for 30 documentary collection, alongside select studio programming like ESPN FC.

In Sweden, Viaplay has carried the NHL since 2009 and retains rights to the regular season and Stanley Cup Playoffs. In Finland, its renewed agreement includes at least 900 regular-season games on an exclusive basis, most playoff games and coverage of the Conference Finals and Stanley Cup Final.