Canadian sports broadcaster Rogers notified subscribers Thursday of steep price increases for Sportsnet+ streaming plans, with some packages rising 30% effective this September. The announcement triggered angry reactions from fans across social media platforms.
The premium annual package will jump from $249.99 to $324.99, while the standard package increases from $199.99 to $249.99. Monthly subscribers will see rates rise to $42.99 from $34.99 for premium and $29.99 from $24.99 for standard plans.
New rates begin September 9, strategically timed ahead of the upcoming NHL season when subscribers typically make renewal decisions.
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“As soon as I read it, I was like: That’s enough,” said Lance McNeill, a Fredericton hockey fan who cancelled his subscription immediately after receiving the email notification.
Rogers spokesperson Jason Jackson defended the increases in a statement, saying “Sportsnet+ is the most comprehensive live sports streaming experience in Canada” and the pricing “reflects that great value for sports fans.”
The pricing adjustments follow Rogers’ massive $11 billion NHL broadcasting agreement — a 12-year deal that more than doubles their previous $5.2 billion contract. The new agreement begins in fall 2026.
Related: Rogers Q1 2025: Adjusted Net Income Rises To $543 Million
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The new pricing puts Sportsnet+ well above competitor TSN, which offers annual subscriptions for $199.99. ESPN+ in the United States costs $119.99 annually, equivalent to about $164 Canadian.
This marks the second price increase in less than a year for Sportsnet+. Rogers raised rates in January 2025, meaning some subscribers will see costs rise nearly 40% over 12 months.
Sportsnet+ streams NHL games, Toronto Blue Jays baseball, NBA games including the Toronto Raptors, UFC events, and various other sports content. The service competes in Canada’s fragmented sports broadcasting market, where fans often need multiple subscriptions to watch their favorite teams.
Rogers Communications acquired the service as part of its broader sports media portfolio, which includes national NHL broadcasting rights and ownership stakes in major Toronto sports teams.
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