Calgary, Alta. – The Western Hockey League today announced live streaming of WHL games for the 2026-27 season will shift to YouTube, on an interim basis.
The decision to move the livestreaming of WHL games follows uncertainty regarding the future of Victory+, the WHL’s exclusive livestreaming partner since March 2025.
“The WHL’s audience is growing rapidly. We continue to believe that providing easy access to games is of critical value and importance as we look to expand our reach and deliver WHL excitement to our fans,” commented WHL Commissioner Dan Near. “By moving WHL Regular Season games to YouTube on a short-term basis, we are protecting that access for fans to livestream their favourite WHL Club and watch their favourite WHL stars when the 2026-27 season gets underway Friday, September 18.”
Over two playoffs and one regular season livestreaming on Victory+, the WHL achieved great success with millions of viewers tuning in, generating unprecedented exposure and reach for WHL Clubs and players, representing a significant step forward in accessibility for fans. WHL Clubs invested in enhancements to their productions, including additional content, intermission programming, camera angles, and more.
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“While we are disappointed to part ways, our time with Victory+ resulted in remarkable growth and exposure for the WHL as a result of the increased accessibility for fans,” Near said. “WHL Clubs pushed forward, investing in their production and exploring new ways to deliver games to fans via our livestreaming product. To this day, we hear accounts from fans who discovered the WHL because of our decision to work alongside Victory+, a company with Western Canadian roots. In today’s changing landscape, accessibility to the product is paramount and we will explore all options to deliver games to WHL fans around the world.”
The WHL remains committed to delivering a premium livestreaming experience for fans. Consistency with game production will be maintained as the WHL enters its next livestreaming chapter.
More information regarding the WHL on YouTube will be made available ahead of the start of the 2026-27 WHL Regular Season.
