Quebecor Inc. Secures 12‑Year French‑Language NHL Rights through Rogers Sublicensing Agreement

Quebecor Inc. (QBR‑B.TO) has entered into a landmark 12‑year sublicensing arrangement with Rogers Communications Inc. (RCI) that grants Quebecor exclusive rights to broadcast French‑language national National Hockey League (NHL) games across Canada, effective from the 2026‑27 season. The deal represents a significant expansion of Quebecor’s media footprint and positions the company to capitalize on the enduring popularity of hockey within Quebec and other francophone communities.

Scope of the Agreement

Under the terms, TVA Sports and its subsidiary, TVA Sports Direct, will carry up to 350 regular‑season NHL games each year, including:

  • 32 regular‑season Montreal Canadiens games (an increase of 10 games from the previous arrangement)
  • All Canadiens games in the Stanley Cup Playoffs
  • Six of the eight First‑Round playoff series
  • Three of the four Second‑Round series
  • Both Conference Finals
  • The Stanley Cup Final

In addition, the contract covers all major NHL tentpole events. Quebecor’s digital platform, illico+, will join the broadcast ecosystem, further extending reach across television, streaming, and on‑demand services.

Strategic Implications

The sublicensing deal aligns seamlessly with Quebecor’s broader strategy of deepening its presence in the media and sports entertainment sectors. By securing a long‑term, high‑profile content stream, Quebecor can:

  1. Drive subscriber growth across TVA Sports, TVA Sports Direct, and illico+, leveraging the strong brand recognition of the NHL and the Canadiens.
  2. Enhance advertising revenue through premium, high‑viewership broadcasts, appealing to national and regional advertisers targeting francophone audiences.
  3. Create cross‑platform synergies between traditional broadcasting and digital streaming, positioning Quebecor as a versatile content distributor in an increasingly convergent media landscape.
  4. Build a competitive moat against other Canadian media conglomerates, particularly in the French‑language market where the Canadiens command a loyal fan base.

Market Reaction and Forward Outlook

Rogers’ share price closed 3.68 % higher on the New York Stock Exchange at $38, reflecting investor optimism regarding the expanded partnership. While Quebecor’s own trading activity was not reported in the immediate coverage, the announcement is expected to lift investor sentiment given the company’s sizeable market cap of CAD 13.87 billion and a price‑earnings ratio of 15.15—indicative of a company trading at a moderate premium relative to earnings.

Looking ahead, the 12‑year duration of the deal provides Quebecor with a stable, predictable revenue stream. The company can now plan long‑term investments in content production, technological upgrades, and talent acquisition, further solidifying its position as a leading media and entertainment entity in Canada.

In sum, this sublicensing partnership marks a pivotal step for Quebecor, reinforcing its strategic foothold in the sports broadcasting arena and setting the stage for sustained growth in the highly competitive Canadian media market.