Sportsnet Increases Prices: What Fans Are Saying About the 2025 Hike

Rogers Sports and Media is facing backlash after announcing a significant price hike for its Sportsnet+ streaming service, set to take effect in September. The move, which affects both the Premium and Standard packages, has sparked outrage among sports fans, especially those who use the service for NHL, NBA, and UFC content. Here’s a breakdown of the price changes and what fans are saying about them.

The Price Hike Details

Sportsnet’s Premium package will see a 30% increase, rising from $249.99 to $324.99 per year, while the Standard package will jump by 25%, from $199.99 to $249.99 annually. This change will apply starting September 9, 2025. Additionally, monthly rates are also set to rise: the Premium package will increase from $34.99 to $42.99 per month, and the Standard package will go up from $24.99 to $29.99 per month.

Why the Price Increase?

The price hikes come after Rogers Sports and Media secured a new 12-year contract worth $11 billion to broadcast NHL games, more than double the amount of their previous deal. This increase reflects the rising costs of live sports rights, as broadcasters compete fiercely for exclusive sports content. However, Sportsnet has not provided further details explaining the sharp increase in subscription prices.

Fans Respond with Outrage

The announcement has left many subscribers frustrated, especially those who primarily use the service to watch NHL games. Jason Pike, a Boston Bruins fan and podcast host, was so shocked by the price increase that he canceled his subscription immediately. He compared the situation to a rent increase without any explanation.

Other users, like Austin Harrison, also expressed dissatisfaction, criticizing the price hike as “ridiculous” and citing technical issues with the service, such as lagging and freezing, as further reasons for their discontent.

Many fans have taken to social media to voice their frustration, with some threatening to resort to illegal streaming sites or explore alternatives for watching their favorite sports.

Competition from TSN

While Sportsnet remains the primary service for many Canadian sports fans, its competitor, TSN, offers a more affordable annual subscription priced at $199.99. Additionally, TSN+ provides supplementary streams for $80 per year. This makes TSN a potential alternative for viewers who are looking for more budget-friendly options to watch sports, especially after the recent price hikes by Sportsnet.

What Fans Want

Sports fans are demanding better value for their money, especially considering the increasing cost of streaming services. Many fans feel that if they are paying more, they should expect higher-quality service and fewer technical issues. While the increase in subscription prices is likely tied to the new NHL broadcasting deal, fans are questioning whether the service improvements and sports coverage are worth the higher cost.

What Do You Think?

Do you think Sportsnet’s price increase is justified, or is it pushing fans too far? Let us know your thoughts on the price hike and how it will affect your decision to continue your subscription.

More…

• https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/article-sportsnet-subscription-price-increase-streaming-packages
• https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/sportsnet-price-hike-1.7583342
• https://www.reddit.com/r/canada/comments/1lxmg92/sports_fans_flabbergasted_after_sportsnet