NEW YORK (AP) - The NHL announced a $100-million US, 10-year deal with XM Satellite Radio on Monday that begins this season and will make XM the league's exclusive satellite radio broadcast partner beginning with the 2007-2008 season.
XM will broadcast more than 1,000 games a season - beginning with the Oct. 5 opening this year - as well as the all-star game, the Stanley Cup playoffs and the final.
XM's hockey announcement comes days after the company gained final approval from Canada's federal cabinet to start broadcasting north of the border.
"Our next goal is to be number one in Canada ... and we can't think of a better content provider to join us than the NHL," chief executive Hugh Panero said during a conference call.
There will also be a channel devoted to the NHL that will feature original programming.
XM has more than 4.4 million subscribers.
Rival Sirius Satellite Radio Inc., signed a contract with the league about two years ago.
XM will broadcast more than 1,000 games a season - beginning with the Oct. 5 opening this year - as well as the all-star game, the Stanley Cup playoffs and the final.
XM's hockey announcement comes days after the company gained final approval from Canada's federal cabinet to start broadcasting north of the border.
"Our next goal is to be number one in Canada ... and we can't think of a better content provider to join us than the NHL," chief executive Hugh Panero said during a conference call.
There will also be a channel devoted to the NHL that will feature original programming.
XM has more than 4.4 million subscribers.
Rival Sirius Satellite Radio Inc., signed a contract with the league about two years ago.
