NHL's Media Chess: Bettman Eyes Early Extensions

Gary Bettman wastes no time, already tapping ESPN and TNT on early renewals before the NFL rights circus sucks up all the oxygen. The league's current U.S. deals, worth $625 million annually, run through 2028, but with regional networks crumbling and pigskin deals looming massive, NHL brass sees the board two turns ahead. Front offices whisper about wild cards like NBC circling back, and whether this folds in taking over shaky RSN territory like MLB just did.