SvnMorningNews

By Ethan Carter — 21 July 2026 — 3 min read

The Minnesota Wild has announced the launch of a new multimedia television network, an exclusive platform that will debut this season. This team-owned and operated network will manage broadcasts in-house, collaborating with NHL Productions. The Wild organization will oversee all aspects of production, distribution, sales, and marketing for its games.

Mitch Helgerson, Minnesota Wild Chief Revenue Officer and Executive Vice President, stated that the initiative aims to ensure fans have reliable and direct access to games. Further details regarding availability, channel locations, and pricing for a direct-to-consumer streaming option, which will include annual and monthly subscriptions, are expected to be announced before the regular season begins.

Broadcast Access and Production

Fans will have multiple options to watch Minnesota Wild games, including cable, satellite, streaming services, and over-the-air broadcasts. The new multimedia network will serve as the official television home for the Wild, producing all regular season games not nationally televised by exclusive NHL broadcast partners such as ABC, ESPN, ESPN+/Hulu, and TNT. For fans outside the local television market, Wild games will be accessible on ESPN+ via the NHL Power Play.

The expansion of the team’s multimedia platform also includes the Minnesota Wild Audio Network, which is described as the largest network in the NHL. Other components are the Wild on 7th Podcast, @MNWildAudio, original behind-the-scenes programming, and a significant social media following.

The NHL has expanded NHL Productions‘ capabilities, which will include centralized production services for select club local broadcasts, such as the Minnesota Wild, starting with the 2026-27 season. These comprehensive services are planned to provide robust studio and show programming, premium game production, advanced graphics, replay capabilities, and technical and engineering support.

During the 2025-26 regular season, the Minnesota Wild ranked in the top ten among 25 U.S.-based NHL teams for household ratings and viewership. Following the acquisition of Quinn Hughes, the team’s television ratings saw a 41% increase. The Wild was also noted as one of the two biggest national television draws during the Stanley Cup Playoffs‘ opening weekend, attracting 1.9 million viewers, and set a cable record for a Second Round Game 1 audience with 2.22 million viewers.

On-Air Talent and Advertising

The Minnesota Wild telecasts will feature a dedicated team of on-air talent. Anthony LaPanta will serve as the play-by-play announcer, with Ryan Carter as the lead analyst. Kevin Gorg will be the rink-side reporter, while Katie Storm and Wes Walz will host the pre- and postgame shows. Alex Stalock and Lou Nanne are also expected to contribute as analysts for specific games.

The NHL‘s centralized production initiative was partly prompted by changes in the traditional local broadcast model. League executives believe this new approach will enhance telecasts and enable teams to monetize them more effectively by granting clubs greater control over advertising inventory. Mitch Helgerson noted that the team has hired two dedicated representatives to manage advertising sales across its local television and radio broadcasts.

This shift allows teams to integrate media assets from their local telecasts, such as traditional commercial spots or branded broadcast integrations, directly into sponsorship packages. This complements existing digitally enhanced dashboard inventory. The NHL is also assisting clubs in deciding whether to establish internal ad-sales operations, utilize external agencies, or adopt a hybrid model. KFAN FM 100.3 and iHeart Radio will continue their partnership as the audio home of the Minnesota Wild for their 16th season.

Source: nhl.com