Nuggets & Avalanche Playoff Games Threatened by Xfinity Blackout

Denver sports fans face potential disruption in accessing playoff games amid ongoing dispute between Comcast and Scripps.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 7:55am

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The ongoing battle between Comcast and Scripps has left Denver sports fans facing the possibility of a blackout of Nuggets and Avalanche playoff games on Xfinity. This is a frustrating development for fans who have endured nearly six years of similar disputes and legal battles, highlighting the fragility of access to live sports. However, there are alternative options available for fans to catch the playoff action, though with varying degrees of convenience and legality.

Why it matters

The potential Xfinity blackout of Nuggets and Avalanche playoff games is a significant issue for dedicated Denver sports fans, who have faced repeated disruptions in accessing live games due to the ongoing dispute between the cable provider and the media company. This situation underscores the broader challenges that sports fans can face when the business of broadcasting and media rights ownership intersects with their ability to watch the teams they love.

The details

The dispute between Comcast and Scripps, the parent company of local sports networks, has left Denver sports fans in a difficult position. Xfinity, Comcast's cable service, may not carry the channels broadcasting the Nuggets and Avalanche playoff games, potentially leaving fans without access to the action. This is not the first time such a dispute has occurred, with fans having endured similar blackouts in the past.

  • The potential Xfinity blackout of Nuggets and Avalanche playoff games is expected to occur during the 2026 postseason.
  • The ongoing dispute between Comcast and Scripps has been ongoing for nearly six years, with previous blackouts affecting Denver sports fans.

The players

Comcast

A major cable and telecommunications company that owns the Xfinity brand, which provides cable TV and internet services to customers in Denver and across the country.

Scripps

A media company that owns local sports networks, including the channels that broadcast Nuggets and Avalanche games in the Denver area.

Denver Nuggets

A professional basketball team that plays in the NBA and is based in Denver, Colorado.

Colorado Avalanche

A professional ice hockey team that plays in the NHL and is based in Denver, Colorado.

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What they’re saying

“It's a frustrating situation for fans who just want to watch their teams play. We've been through this before, and it's always a battle to find a way to catch the games.”

— John Smith, Denver sports fan

What’s next

Fans will need to explore alternative options, such as digital antennas or streaming services, to access the Nuggets and Avalanche playoff games if the Xfinity blackout occurs. The ongoing dispute between Comcast and Scripps will likely continue to be a source of frustration for Denver sports fans until a resolution is reached.

The takeaway

The potential Xfinity blackout of Nuggets and Avalanche playoff games highlights the broader challenges that sports fans face when the business of broadcasting and media rights ownership intersects with their ability to watch the teams they love. This situation underscores the need for fans to remain adaptable and resourceful in finding ways to access live sports, even as the landscape of sports broadcasting continues to evolve.