The Seattle Kraken have announced a multi-year extension of their broadcast agreement with TEGNA Inc., continuing their commitment to keeping games widely available across the Pacific Northwest. This deal strengthens the team’s strategy of prioritizing free, over-the-air television access to reach more fans throughout Washington, Oregon, Alaska, and neighboring areas.
Since the launch of the Kraken Hockey Network last season, the NHL team has foregone a traditional cable-first approach in favor of widely distributed local broadcasts, leading to a significant surge in viewership. The new agreement ensures the continuation of this broad accessibility across more than four million homes in a five-state region.
Impact of Broader Regional Coverage on Viewership and Fan Engagement
Executives from the Seattle Kraken report that the partnership extension has resulted in viewership tripling compared to previous distribution models. Games will continue airing on Seattle’s KONG channel, with selected broadcasts simulcast on KING 5, the local NBC affiliate. Additionally, TEGNA-owned stations in Spokane and Portland will carry the games, and plans are in place to collaborate with other local broadcasters to extend over-the-air access throughout the region.
Ryan Schaber, the Kraken’s vice president responsible for the Kraken Hockey Network broadcasts, has observed that expanded coverage has created strong community engagement.
“Just a huge amount of people have come up to me and said, ‘Oh, great, I can watch the games now! I didn’t have access before and now I do!’” Schaber said. “It’s really great. I actually hear that a lot and it makes me feel good because I think we’ve always done good work and put on a good product. But the fact so many people can see it now is just great.”
Schaber’s observations highlight the broadcast extension’s positive impact beyond mere numbers, contributing to deeper connections among fans and local youth sports communities in Seattle and surrounding areas.
Broadcast Details and Integrated Streaming Strategy
The agreement maintains that all locally produced, non-national games will continue airing on KONG, ensuring consistent regional coverage. Selected matches will also appear on KING 5 to reach a broader audience. Importantly, the deal does not affect the separate streaming arrangement with Amazon Prime, which allows Prime members access to Kraken games through Prime Video. This streaming option complements rather than replaces the team’s extensive broadcast distribution, supporting a multi-platform viewing experience.
The timing of this renewal coincides with the Kraken’s return from the Winter Olympic break as they remain close to securing the Pacific Division lead, underscoring the team’s growing competitiveness and regional popularity.
TEGNA and Kraken Highlight Mutual Benefits of Partnership
Brad Ramsey, TEGNA’s senior vice president of sports rights, emphasized the value of the extended collaboration for both fans and advertisers.
“We have done exactly what we set out to do, giving more fans, in more homes, access to more games than ever before,”
Ramsey stated.
“We are more committed than ever to serving local fans with the content they care most about, and our advertising partners with solutions that help them move the needle.”
Under the renewed contract, KING 5, TEGNA, and the Kraken will manage advertising and sponsorship sales jointly for local broadcasts. This unified approach is designed to optimize marketing opportunities linked to the team’s growing regional presence.
Complementary Programming Enhances Fan Experience
In addition to live game coverage, the partnership extension preserves related shows that deepen fan engagement. The weekly “Kraken Home Ice” program on KING 5 remains a vital part of the content package, offering storytelling that ties team narratives to the broader Pacific Northwest sports landscape.
Schaber also noted that working closely with established on-air talent across TEGNA’s network, which includes Seahawks broadcasts and national sports content, strengthens the connection between the Kraken and their audience in a competitive regional sports market.
Renewed Broadcast Deal Reinforces Seattle Kraken’s Community Presence
The Seattle Kraken’s decision to renew their broadcast partnership with TEGNA underlines the importance of accessible regional sports coverage in building and sustaining a loyal fan base. By doubling down on over-the-air distribution and complementing it with streaming options, the franchise exemplifies an innovative model for modern sports media rights.
This renewed deal is expected to further increase viewership, enhance advertising opportunities, and deepen the Kraken’s integration into the Pacific Northwest’s sports culture. As the team pursues playoff success, maintaining this strong media presence across traditional and digital platforms positions the Kraken to grow their audience and solidify their market influence in the years ahead.
Home sweet home! 🏡
We’re thrilled to announce the extension of our partnership with TEGNA to keep Kraken hockey accessible for fans throughout the Pacific Northwest on the channels you know & love → https://t.co/s127NVctXa pic.twitter.com/jKz0vqp02o
— Seattle Kraken (@SeattleKraken) February 19, 2026
