Full Breakdown
Montreal Canadiens Secure Long-Term Broadcast Partnership with TSN and RDS
10/12/2025, 2:56:12 AM
Landmark Agreement Ensures Continued Coverage
The Montreal Canadiens have announced a significant long-term partnership with TSN and RDS, ensuring that fans can continue to watch their team’s games in both French and English for the foreseeable future. This agreement guarantees that Canadiens matchups will be available to subscribers in the designated broadcast region, featuring 50 games on TSN and 45 on RDS. The deal comes as a relief to fans who were concerned about the future of game broadcasts, as the previous contract was set to expire at the end of the 2025-26 season.
France Margaret Bélanger, President of Groupe CH Sports and Entertainment, expressed enthusiasm about the extension, stating, “We’ve been fortunate to count TSN and RDS as valued partners for many years, and we’re thrilled to formally extend this collaboration for years to come.” This partnership not only includes live games but also shoulder programming that enhances the viewing experience for fans.
Changes in Game Availability
While the new agreement secures a substantial number of games, it does represent a reduction from the previous contract, which allowed for 60 games on RDS. Fans will now have access to a total of 50 games on TSN and 45 on RDS, with additional coverage available through other networks. Sportsnet will broadcast 28 games, primarily on Saturday and Wednesday nights, while TVA Sports will show 22 games, mainly on Saturday nights. Amazon Prime Video will also feature four Montreal games on Monday nights.
Broader Implications for Fans
The extension of this partnership is particularly significant in the context of a rapidly changing media landscape, where major companies like Amazon are increasingly interested in broadcasting NHL games. The Canadiens' agreement with TSN and RDS ensures that fans will not need to subscribe to multiple services to watch their team, although access to all games will still require subscriptions to various networks, including TVA Sports and Sportsnet.
Official Statements & Responses
Shawn Redmond, VP of Bell Media Sports, highlighted the importance of this partnership, stating, “We have built a strong and successful partnership with the Canadiens, and these regional broadcasts are a key element of TSN and RDS’s hockey programming.” The networks are committed to providing industry-leading coverage and programming for Canadiens fans.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the positive reception from many fans, some critics have noted the reduction in the number of games available on RDS compared to the previous contract. Concerns have also been raised about the increasing complexity of accessing all Canadiens games, as fans will need to navigate multiple subscriptions to watch every matchup.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We've been fortunate to count TSN and RDS as valued partners for many years, and we're thrilled to formally extend this collaboration for years to come.” — France Margaret Bélanger, President, Groupe CH Sports and Entertainment
- “We have built a strong and successful partnership with the Canadiens, and these regional broadcasts are a key element of TSN and RDS’s hockey programming.” — Shawn Redmond, VP, Bell Media Sports
This landmark agreement between the Montreal Canadiens, TSN, and RDS marks a significant development in the landscape of sports broadcasting in Canada, ensuring that fans will have continued access to their beloved team for years to come.
