CBC has announced that Hockey Night in Canada – the longest-running sports program in the world – is embarking on a historic transformation as the broadcast returns for its 90th season anchored by live Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) games.
Following the end of CBC’s sub-licensing agreement for NHL men’s hockey games earlier this year, the reimagined broadcast under the legendary HNIC banner, marks the first time women’s hockey will be featured as the main event.
“Our partnership with the PWHL opens a new chapter in sports history. We are proud to announce the return of the iconic Hockey Night in Canada brand, building on this beloved Canadian tradition with the PWHL’s growing fanbase and providing audiences across the country with free access to world-class hockey,” said Chris Wilson, Executive Director, Sports and Olympics at CBC, in an announcement. “We’re delivering on our commitment to equal coverage of women’s sports across our platforms and look forward to elevating the athletes and stories at the heart of the game.”
“Hockey Night in Canada is a fixture in Canadian sports culture, and its Saturday night schedule has ritually captivated hockey fans for nearly a century,” added Amy Scheer, PWHL Executive Vice President of Business Operations. “Our partnership with CBC has been instrumental in the accessibility and growth of the league, and the opportunity to be part of this iconic brand represents another groundbreaking step for the PWHL to connect with our fans and forge new traditions together.”
Eight primetime showcases, expanded French coverage
Under the new arrangement, Hockey Night in Canada will serve as a featured sub-brand of CBC Sports Primetime, a new weekly Saturday evening sports program hosted by veteran broadcaster Andi Petrillo, launching Oct. 3, while Radio-Canada’s new weekly Sunday show Rendez-vous Podium (debuting Oct. 18) is helmed by Jacinthe Taillon.
HNIC will provide comprehensive coverage for eight primetime PWHL games starting on Dec. 5, including pre- and post-game panel analysis and accompanying digital content on cbcsports.ca and social media. Staying true to tradition, each HNIC game will feature a Canadian-based team. The PWHL’s Canadian primetime season opener features reigning Walter Cup champions, the Montréal Victoire, and the expansion PWHL Hamilton.
In addition to a selection of Victoire and PWHL All-Star games airing on ICI TÉLÉ and ICI TOU.TV, Radio-Canada has acquired exclusive audio broadcast rights for all Montréal games in Canada during the 2026-27 season.
The complete 2026–27 PWHL broadcast schedule across CBC and Radio-Canada will be officially released on Oct. 2.
