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TNT Sets Record 72 NHL Games as ESPN Plans 100+ for 2025–26

Expanded slates reflect programming gaps created by TNT's NBA exit, with ESPN relinquishing Sunday Night Baseball opening new national nights.

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Brayden Point, Jake Guentzel, Janis Moser, and Victor Hedman celebrate a goal for the Tampa Bay Lightning (Jess Starr/The Hockey Writers)
Jan 19, 2019; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Stars goaltender Ben Bishop (30) skates in Texas Rangers baseball club hockey jerseys before the game against the Winnipeg Jets at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
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Overview

  • TNT’s schedule features 72 regular-season games with primary windows on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, plus select dates such as a Black Friday Rangers–Bruins matinee, a Dec. 23 tripleheader, and an MLK Day doubleheader.
  • Disney’s plan exceeds 100 games across ABC, ESPN, ESPN+ and Hulu, including an Oct. 7 ESPN Opening Night tripleheader and a Sunday, April 5 NHL doubleheader as part of its reworked weekend slate.
  • Marquee events include the 2026 Winter Classic in Miami (Panthers vs. Rangers on Jan. 2) and the Thanksgiving Showdown on Nov. 28, both highlighted in the national packages.
  • Team exposure varies widely, led by the Capitals with a league‑high 18 national appearances, followed by the Avalanche with 17, while clubs like the Flyers, Kings and Blackhawks land in the mid‑teens.
  • The rollout includes numerous start‑time changes across team schedules to fit national windows, and TNT and Disney will again share early playoff coverage, with the Stanley Cup Final airing on ABC/ESPN.