Hurricanes Announce Own Broadcast Network for Next Season

New In‑House Broadcast Plans Unveiled

The Hurricanes officially revealed on Tuesday that they will operate their own regional network for the upcoming campaign. The club will keep veteran play‑by‑play men Mike Maniscalco and analyst Tripp Tracy behind the mic, adding Shane Willis to the broadcast team. While the exact distribution method remains unreleased, the move signals a shift from relying on a third‑party rights holder.

Previously, the Canes’ games were carried by FanDuel Sports—a branded incarnation of Main Street Sports that once operated under the Fox Sports banner. That arrangement required the team to accept whatever carriage deals Main Street could secure, often limiting reach. The new structure gives Carolina direct control over how and where its games appear.

The NHL also rolled out a centralized production hub on the same day, handling pre‑ and post‑game programming and absorbing much of the production cost. Teams now keep the revenue streams from cable providers, streaming platforms like YouTube and Hulu, and any future over‑the‑air partners, while the league shoulders the bulk of the technical work.

Production Costs Shifted to NHL Hub

The league’s new hub is designed to ease the financial burden that has long discouraged teams from launching their own channels. By centralizing cameras, engineers, and post‑production resources, the NHL makes it feasible for clubs to retain all advertising income. The arrangement still leaves distribution decisions to each franchise, allowing them to negotiate favorable terms with broadcasters.

This model mirrors the broader industry trend of moving away from traditional regional sports networks, which have struggled with declining cable subscriptions and bankruptcy. The NHL’s approach gives all 32 clubs a consistent production baseline while preserving local control over carriage and monetization. Such a framework could become a template for other non‑NFL leagues facing similar challenges.

Impact on Fan Viewing Options

For fans who watched the Canes last season on the FanDuel Sports app, the expectation is a direct‑to‑consumer model where they might pay the team instead of a third‑party platform. Subscribers to YouTube, Hulu, or other streaming services that previously omitted Carolina games may now see the team added, possibly as an extra channel or premium add‑on.

While over‑the‑air broadcasts could continue, the core focus appears to be on a dedicated streaming service that mirrors the traditional regional network experience. The goal is to ensure the team is more visible, easier to access, and able to command higher advertising rates because of increased viewership. Details on pricing and platform partnerships are still pending.

Why the NHL Is Making This Move

The shift reflects the league’s effort to modernize local rights in an era where traditional cable models are eroding. By owning production and distribution, the NHL positions itself stronger for upcoming media negotiations with ESPN, TNT, and other streamers. The recent Stanley Cup victory amplified interest in the Hurricanes, making the timing ideal for a direct fan relationship.

Centralizing production also levels the playing field among clubs, preventing wealthier teams from out‑spending others on broadcast infrastructure. This uniformity could become a bargaining chip when the league renegotiates its next major media deals. As other leagues watch, the Hurricanes’ move may set a precedent for how teams can capture both revenue and fan engagement.

What This Means for Carolina Fans

Fans can expect a familiar viewing experience with a new twist: the games will likely still be available on streaming platforms, but now under the Hurricanes’ brand. The direct relationship means higher chances of the team being carried by popular services like YouTube and Hulu, with potential over‑the‑air games retained as well.

While the exact channel lineup is still unknown, the shift from a third‑party provider to an in‑house network should improve accessibility and potentially lower costs for season ticket holders and casual viewers alike. Stay tuned as details emerge closer to the season start.