According to CNBC, citing sources familiar with the matter, the National Hockey League (NHL) can officially begin negotiations for its next media rights deals starting January 1 with existing partners Disney/ESPN and Skydance, the new owner of TNT Sports. Sources said the league is hoping to increase overall rights fees by 50% to 100% compared to its current agreement. Signed in 2021, the current deal spans seven years and is valued at $4.5 billion. The report noted that preliminary contact has already been made, though it remains uncertain whether the league will be able to secure the anticipated hike.