Full Breakdown
Minnesota Wild to Operate Own Multimedia Broadcast Network Starting 2026-27
7/23/2026, 11:56:24 AM
Background: From Regional Cable to Team-Owned Production
For more than two decades the Wild’s television output has been handled by regional sports cable partners, most recently FanDuel Sports Networks. FanDuel, which acquired the former Fox Sports regional feeds in 2019, declared bankruptcy in 2023 and ceased operations the following spring, leaving several NHL clubs scrambling for new broadcast solutions. In response, the Wild announced that, beginning with the 2026-27 season, all non-nationally televised games will be produced, distributed, marketed and sold directly by the organization in collaboration with NHL Productions. The move mirrors similar transitions by the Carolina Hurricanes, Columbus Blue Jackets and St. Louis Blues.
Network Details and Production Plans
The in-house network will retain the entire on-air crew from the previous season, including play-by-play announcer Anthony LaPanta, analyst Ryan Carter, rink-side reporter Kevin Gorg and hosts Katie Storm and Wes Walz. Alex Stalock and Lou Nanne will serve as analysts for select games. Helgerson estimates that roughly 70 of the Wild’s 84 regular-season games will be broadcast by the team, with the remainder carried by national partners. The platform will be offered through a direct-to-consumer streaming subscription, similar to the Twins’ service, while cable and satellite viewers will access a dedicated Wild channel. Pricing and channel placement will be disclosed before the season begins.
Official Statements & Responses
“We are extremely excited to launch our new multimedia television network,” — Minnesota Wild Chief Revenue — Mitch Helgerson, Chief Revenue Officer and Executive Vice President, emphasized that the initiative is
“This new model strengthens the value of regional media rights by expanding the pool of potential distribution partners, reducing dependence on outside production providers and allowing clubs to manage production investments more effectively.”
Helgerson added that the team aims for “top-notch, A1 production” and sees the shift as a way to control content and explore future monetization opportunities, acknowledging uncertainty about long-term outcomes.
Impact and Future Outlook
By internalizing production, the Wild add expenses but gain direct control over branding, advertising and fan engagement. The league’s broader rollout expects every NHL club to have a broadcast plan in place for the season’s start, and NHL vice president Jennifer Neziol hinted that additional clubs may join the in-house model. The regular season opens in early October, marking the first games the Wild will air under its own network.
