• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, February 4, 2026

FloSports Doubles Down on Hockey Coverage with ECHL Deal

  • FloHockey will now stream over 1,600 events annually.
  • FloSports sees an opportunity to create original content for hockey’s ‘passionate’ fan base.
FloSports Doubles Down on Hockey Coverage with ECHL Deal
The Enquirer/Joseph Fuqua II Cyclones21i

Subscription-based sports streaming platform FloSports has a new, exclusive multi-year global streaming partnership with mid-level professional hockey league the ECHL that will start in the 2020-21 season. 

Under the new agreement, FloSports is bringing every regular season matchup and the annual Warrior/ECHL All-Star Classic and Kelly Cup Playoffs on ECHL.TV to its platform. It will further supplement that with original content, interviews and analysis produced in-house.

FloSports says it had 330,000 active subscribers at the end of the third quarter of 2020. Its annual plan goes for $150; ECHL.TV previously aired on Endeavor Streaming, where an “All-Access” season pass went for $199.99. 

With the addition of the ECHL to its existing deals with the Central Collegiate Hockey Association — announced in July — Atlantic Hockey and the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, FloHockey will stream over 1,600 hockey events annually.

“Since the start of FloSports, and I think it’s carried through today, our sweet spot really has been finding communities that are really passionate about a sport who maybe aren’t getting the sort of love and attention and coverage that they’d like,” FloSports Senior Director, Global Rights Acquisition Matt Bowlsby said. “And we think hockey really fits that. … There’s really passionate fans out there, but there aren’t a lot of traditional media entities out there covering that.”

The ECHL, heading into its 33rd season, has 26 teams across 19 U.S. states and two Canadian provinces. More than 670 players from the league have advanced to play in the NHL, according to the league.  

“We had been talking with ECHL for a couple years figuring how we could add the most value to their organization and how the two groups could come together to not only reach new fans for viewership, but create a whole new audience. So we’re hoping to drive attendance, we’re hoping to drive viewership — really trying to create new fans,” Bowlsby said. “And then with the current fans, how do we turn casual fans into really passionate fans?”

Historically, hockey coverage has been “a little disjointed, where there is a little coverage in a lot of places,” Bowlsby added. So FloSports sees an opportunity to put out daily content for an underserved market, and create somewhat of a symbiotic relationship where that content helps to drive a new wave of fans. 

FloSports Pushing Forward With Media Rights Acquisition Strategy

The coronavirus pandemic has not put a stop to FloSports’ aggressive media…
April 17, 2020

FloSports sees “authenticity” as the key to the approach.

“A story in hockey may be very different than a story in track, a story in swimming,” Bowlsby said.” And so I think really trying to have a group internally at Flo that’s just focused on telling authentic stories is a powerful tool.”

FloSports also markets on behalf of partner leagues, and says there’s been added value in doing so during the COVID-19 pandemic when resources have been limited for some of those entities — FloSports itself had to “get creative” without an influx of live content, Bowlsby said.

The platform does paid media campaigns and original content including studio shows, documentaries and video features on top of live streaming. 

“There’s a lot of things that teams in the league would love to do, but you kind of have to get the blocking and tackling down first,” Bowlsby said. “And I think by working together, we’re able to do more and really elevate the stories and reach more people. And for us it doesn’t just start on game night.”

In an announcement, ECHL Commissioner Ryan Crelin added: “This isn’t simply a technology partnership, but rather an opportunity to showcase our teams and players,” 

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

[US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Jan 25, 2026; Taipei, TAIWAN; Alex Honnold free solo climbs Taipei 101.

Netflix Continues Live TV Push As Skyscraper Climb Draws 6.2M

The stream of the free climb expanded the company’s live events presence.
Netflix

Netflix Q4 Earnings Beat Estimates, With Boost From NFL Games

Record-setting NFL games were a highlight during the quarter.
Dec 25, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Detroit Lions center Graham Glasgow (60) waits to snap the ball against the Minnesota Vikings in the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium

Netflix, Amazon NFL Games Lift U.S. Streaming Record to New Peak

Record-setting NFL games brought streaming to a new high.
Bryson
exclusive

NFL, PGA Tour Won’t Let Players Endorse Prediction Markets

The leagues aren’t swayed by Kalshi’s deal with Bryson DeChambeau.

Featured Today

Feb 10, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; ESPN reporter Sal Paolantonio at the Super Bowl LIX Winning Head Coach and Most Valuable Player press conference at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.

ESPN’s Sal Paolantonio On What Makes a Great Super Bowl City

Paolantonio spoke to FOS about the Bay Area as a host city, how covering teams at the Super Bowl has changed, and why he doesn’t use X.
February 3, 2026

Scott Hanson: ‘They Didn’t Consult Me’ on Hated NFL RedZone Ads

The NFL is a “for-profit” business, Hanson noted.
Rick Cordella
February 3, 2026

NBC Sports Boss Talks Wild Sports Stretch, Michael Jordan

Rick Cordella says “we hope there’s more” with Michael Jordan.
Sponsored

From Kobe Bryant to Tom Brady: Mike Repole’s Billion-Dollar Playbook

Mike Repole shares an inside look into building brands & working with star athletes.
exclusive
February 3, 2026

ESPN Finalizing Two-Year Deal With Influencer Lily Shimbashi

Shimbashi’s Sportsish specializes in content for female sports fans.
February 3, 2026

NBC Hopes Super Bowl Breaks U.S. TV Records, but No Guarantees

Network executives remain hopeful that viewers will watch in historic numbers.
Kid Rock walks out to speak ahead of Vice President J.D. Vance at Fort. Campbell Military Base in Fort Campbell, KY., on Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025.
opinion
February 3, 2026

Why Kid Rock’s Bad Bunny Challenge Will Flop on Super Bowl Sunday

The show will also feature Brantley Gilbert, Lee Brice, and Gabby Barrett.
Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D'Amaro unveiled a slew of new parks announcements to a packed Honda Center during 2024's D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event.
February 3, 2026

Disney’s New CEO Arrives During Momentous Changes at ESPN

Josh D’Amaro oversaw Disney’s theme park business.