Shohei Ohtani and his link to the NHL contract

In 2013, the NHL handed over the rights to broadcast its games to Rogers Communications Group until the end of the 2025-2026 season.

Rogers, which also owns the Sportsnet network, paid a total of $5.2 billion to secure the contract.

The contract will expire soon, and word on the street right now is that Rogers may choose to minimize its losses created by NHL rights. But how?

By giving some of that money to Shohei Ohtani, who could sign with the Toronto Blue Jays.

The $5.2 billion NHL deal will cost Rogers around $500 million a year for the next two hockey seasons, and Ohtani could sign a contract worth up to $600 million.

To make it simple, Rogers would pay Ohtani… while no longer paying the NHL the $500 million or so per season for exclusive rights in Canada.

At least, that’s what’s reported in a Toronto Sun article.

The goal would be to become the Blue Jays’ main network, a World Series contender if they acquire Shohei Ohtani.

For those less familiar with the name, we’re talking about the face of MLB. In other words, it’s like Connor McDavid signing a contract with the Leafs, like. And since Rogers owns the Jays… It would make sense to see the network focus solely on Ohtani, who can single-handedly bring in some interesting ratings.

Should the situation materialize, however, it should be noted that Sportsnet would retain its NHL regional rights, for which it has long-term agreements.

Coverage of the Leafs, Oilers, Canucks and Flames will continue.

Makes you realize how big Shohei Ohtani’s name is, too. The arrival of such a star in Toronto could change a lot of things, and that’s impressive to analyze when you take a step back.

And if it does happen… we’ll have to wonder what the future holds for TVA Sports, which has been the NHL’s official French-language broadcaster since Rogers reached an agreement with the NHL.

Breaking news

– He’s exceptional.

– Georges Laraque scores a point.

Georges and Gonzo discussed NHL players’ participation in the Olympics in Laraque-Gonzalez on https://t.co/qNeSbci3eG

Are you on Georges’ side in preferring to watch the playoffs than the Olympics? pic.twitter.com/V6Xa6W5gg9

– BPM Sports (@BPMSportsRadio) December 7, 2023

– Two years already.

“The magic of Trevor Zegras!” @Buccigross two years ago today. #TheZegras pic.twitter.com/NCsx8tbtzG

– DucksNPucks (@DucksNPucks) December 7, 2023

– Oops.

It’s been a rough start to the season for Wembanyama and the Spurs. pic.twitter.com/k78J0HLJma

– Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) December 7, 2023

– Jacques Martin talks about his new role with the Senators. [BPM Sports]