Seattle Kraken Extend Broadcast Deal to Boost Regional Access

Multi-year agreement with TEGNA secures free over-the-air TV coverage across the Pacific Northwest.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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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.

Why it matters

The expanded regional coverage has resulted in a significant surge in viewership, tripling compared to previous distribution models. The partnership extension allows the Kraken to maintain their focus on building a loyal fan base and deepening community engagement across the Pacific Northwest.

The details

Under the renewed contract, all locally produced, non-national Kraken games will continue airing on KONG, with selected matches also appearing on KING 5, the local NBC affiliate. TEGNA-owned stations in Spokane and Portland will also carry the games, and plans are in place to collaborate with other local broadcasters to extend over-the-air access throughout the region. The deal does not affect the separate streaming arrangement with Amazon Prime, which allows Prime members access to Kraken games through Prime Video.

  • The Seattle Kraken announced the multi-year broadcast extension on February 19, 2026.
  • The renewed agreement takes effect as the Kraken return from the Winter Olympic break, with the team close to securing the Pacific Division lead.

The players

Seattle Kraken

The NHL team based in Seattle, Washington.

TEGNA Inc.

A media company that owns and operates television stations across the United States, including in the Pacific Northwest region.

Ryan Schaber

The Seattle Kraken's vice president responsible for the Kraken Hockey Network broadcasts.

Brad Ramsey

TEGNA's senior vice president of sports rights.

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What they’re saying

“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!' 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.”

— Ryan Schaber, Vice President, Seattle Kraken (theconwaybulletin.com)

“We have done exactly what we set out to do, giving more fans, in more homes, access to more games than ever before. 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.”

— Brad Ramsey, Senior Vice President of Sports Rights, TEGNA (theconwaybulletin.com)

What’s next

The renewed broadcast agreement will allow the Kraken to continue expanding their regional fan base and community engagement as the team pursues playoff success in the coming seasons.

The takeaway

The Seattle Kraken's decision to prioritize free, over-the-air television access across the Pacific Northwest exemplifies an innovative model for modern sports media rights, positioning the franchise to grow its audience and solidify its market influence in the years ahead.