EXCLUSIVE: NHL Network is Launching on PlayStation Vue Today, Along With ACC Network & More Fox Locals
If you’re a cord-cutter and a hockey fan, NHL Network is one of the most challenging channels to get without cable. In March, the channel was not included in DIRECTV NOW new PLUS and MAX plans, leaving just Sling TV and legacy DIRECTV NOW subscribers to get the channel. But, in July, PlayStation Vue announced that the channel would come to their Core ($55), Elite ($65), and Ultra ($85) plans — but didn’t share exactly when it would launch.
Fortunately for hockey fans, with just six weeks before the start of the NHL season, the channel is launching today for PlayStation Vue subscribers. The service will also launch ACC Network today, which officially goes live at 7pm ET tomorrow, along with local FOX stations in Charlottesville and Minot-Bismarck.
With the additions, PS Vue has joined Sling TV as the only Live TV Streaming Services with the channels from the Big Four sports — NFL Network, MLB Network, NBA TV, and now NHL Network.
| DTV STREAM | Fubo | Hulu | Philo | Sling TV | YouTube | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free Trial | Free Trial | Sign Up | Free Trial | Get 50% Off | Sign Up | |||
| $79.99 | $91.99 | $76.99 | $25 | $40 | $40 | $72.99 | ||
| MLB Network | + $15 | + $8 | ✓ | - | + $11 | + $11 | - | |
| NBA TV | + $15 | + $8 | - | - | + $11 | + $11 | ✓ | |
| NFL Network | + $15 | ✓ | ✓ | - | - | ✓ | ✓ | |
| NHL Network | + $15 | + $8 | - | - | + $11 | + $11 | - | |
For hockey fans, NHL Network broadcasts ~100 non-exclusive games, with additional broadcasts during the pre-season and the Stanley Cup Playoffs. It is also the exclusive some to the annual World Junior Hockey Championships, World Championships, and Memorial Cup. The channel broadcasts a daily live look-in and highlights show called NHL Tonight, simulcasts Sportsnet Hockey Central at Noon, and airs original series and classic games.
We have long said that PlayStation Vue Core Plan ($55), which also includes your local RSN in most markets, is the best option for sports fans. Now with the addition of NHL Network, and the ability to add their Sports Pack ($10) which includes NFL RedZone, National Feeds of NBC Sports & Fox Sports RSNs, and Longhorn Network — it’s becoming even more of a no brainer pick for sports fans.