COLUMBUS — Columbus Blue Jackets fans who subscribe to DIRECTV will finally be able to watch their team again. The NHL and DIRECTV announced a multiyear distribution agreement Saturday that will make Blue Jackets Hockey Network available to eligible subscribers beginning with tonight's game against the Vegas Golden Knights.
The agreement resolves a distribution issue that had kept DIRECTV customers from watching locally televised Blue Jackets games through their existing television service since the beginning of the season.
As recently as October 9, the Blue Jackets had publicly expressed frustration that DIRECTV and Breezeline had not agreed to carry the team's new network. While Spectrum, Fubo, and Prime Video had reached agreements, DIRECTV subscribers were left without access through their regular provider.
Saturday's announcement resolves that issue for eligible DIRECTV customers within the Blue Jackets' designated television territory, which includes most of Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia.
Fans can find Blue Jackets Hockey Network on the following channels:
| Provider | Channel |
|---|---|
| DIRECTV Stream | 660 |
| DIRECTV Satellite | 660-1 |
| U-verse | 1735 / 735 |
DIRECTV streaming and satellite customers must subscribe to the Choice package or higher, while U-verse customers need the U200 package or higher.
The agreement also extends to DIRECTV's commercial customers, allowing sports bars, restaurants, and other establishments within the team's broadcast territory to carry Blue Jackets games.
Columbus isn't the only NHL team benefiting from the deal. DIRECTV also reached agreements to carry the Carolina Hurricanes, Minnesota Wild, and St. Louis Blues regional hockey networks.
The announcement comes at an important time for the Blue Jackets, who are trying to build their audience under the new Blue Jackets Hockey Network. The additional distribution makes games more accessible to fans who had previously relied on DIRECTV to follow the team.
Breezeline remains another provider without an announced distribution agreement. The NHL previously confirmed that discussions were taking place, but no new agreement has been announced.
The Blue Jackets host Vegas tonight at Nationwide Arena, with puck drop scheduled for 7 p.m. ET and television coverage beginning at 6:30 p.m. The game will be available on Blue Jackets Hockey Network through the newly announced DIRECTV channels, as well as existing distribution partners. Nationally exclusive games remain subject to separate broadcast agreements.
