Urgent Update: Four Subscriptions Required for Canadiens Games

UPDATE: Fans of the Montreal Canadiens may soon need to subscribe to FOUR different platforms to watch all of the team’s games next season. As the 2025-2026 NHL season approaches, speculation surrounds the distribution of 84 Canadiens games in Quebec, with no official announcements yet made.

The new TV contract for NHL games in Canada is set to take effect, and early reports suggest that RDS will broadcast 45 games in French. Additionally, Crave is expected to air 15 games, as reported by sports journalist Max Lalonde of BPM Sports. However, this information remains unconfirmed, raising concerns among fans and consumers alike.

In a potential twist, TVA Sports could secure the rights to the remaining 24 national games, although negotiations are still ongoing. If TVA does obtain these games, viewers will face the prospect of juggling subscriptions to RDS, Crave, and TVA Sports, which could significantly impact how Canadiens games are accessed.

If Quebecor, which owns TVA Sports, opts to broadcast some of these games exclusively on its platform Club Illico+, fans may find themselves forced into even more subscriptions. This scenario could lead to frustration for viewers, who might have to subscribe to multiple services just to catch every game.

“This situation is still very fluid, with nothing officially confirmed by Crave or TVA Sports regarding the distribution of games,” said sources close to the negotiations. “However, the discussions around Club Illico+ are ongoing.”

The looming subscription battle highlights a growing trend in sports broadcasting, where availability increasingly hinges on multiple platforms. Without a centralized access point, fans could face rising costs and limited viewing options for their favorite team.

This fragmented approach to broadcasting also raises concerns about illegal streaming, as fans may resort to pirating games if legitimate access becomes overly complicated or expensive. The impact on viewership ratings could be significant, particularly if the Canadiens struggle during the season, as many fans may choose to disengage from the sport altogether.

Experts warn that if the Canadiens fail to secure engaging matchups or entertaining broadcasts, ratings could plummet. This potential scenario underscores the urgency for broadcasters to find a solution that keeps fans connected to their team.

As negotiations continue, fans are left in limbo, awaiting clarity on how to access Canadiens games next season. The stakes are high for both viewers and broadcasters as they navigate the complexities of modern sports media.

Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops, and prepare for what could be a challenging season for Canadiens fans trying to keep up with their beloved team.