The QMJHL announced on Wednesday that it has partnered with Endeavor, Rogers, and Videotron to provide fans with streaming services for the 2020-21 season. The league’s announcement included a $39.99 price tag for an all-access pass each month, which means fans could watch every single game for every single team in a calendar month. A person could also purchase individual games for $7.99. LHJMQ Direct also allows users to stream the games through their mobile devices.
The QMJHL’s announcement is contrary to a partnership the Western Hockey League announced in June that included an all-encompassing streaming service between the three leagues.
Details have emerged regarding the original agreement, including the QMJHL opting out of it in August.
An anonymous league source told DUBNetwork the three leagues had planned to go with a streaming service created by Verizon. The QMJHL opting out does not affect this new arrangement as the source confirmed the new streaming service will be up and running for the WHL regular season.
There is already a history between the CHL and Verizon.
Back in 2017, Verizon announced that its Uplynk Video Streaming service was integrated into Canadian sports technology leader Stadium Digital. In the release Verizon mentioned, “Stadium Digital powers loyalty and engagement platforms for sports bodies including the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) and its regional leagues, the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), and Western Hockey League (WHL), and teams in the Canadian Football League (CFL).”
Further to this, the source told DUBNetwork that pricing isn’t sorted out yet as Verizon is working to create digital revenue. The plan is to have cheaper rates and more options for packages such as 24 hour all-access passes but there is nothing to confirm. One feature mentioned is a proposed option to watch any WHL game over a 24 hour period for $5 to $7.
The new streaming service is available on smart TVs so fans also won’t have to hook up a laptop.
It is expected an announcement will be made when the WHL confirms the beginning of the regular season.
