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Calgary Flames fans rip Sportsnet after first paywalled game

Colton Pankiw
Colton Pankiw
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Oct 27 2026, 9:31 pm
Calgary Flames fans rip Sportsnet after first paywalled game
Sergei Belski/Imagn Images

The Calgary Flames stayed red hot with their fourth-straight win on Monday night, though plenty of their fans opted not to tune in.

The Flames defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs 5-2 at the Scotiabank Saddledome, but the game wasn’t available on Sportsnet West, instead being streamed exclusively on Sportsnet+ as part of the network’s new Monday Night Hockey programming.

For fans who already subscribe to Sportsnet through their television provider, watching the game required an additional $12.99 per month for the Sportsnet+ TV provider add-on. Those without a qualifying TV subscription needed a Sportsnet+ Standard membership, which costs $34.99 per month or $269.99 annually.

The only way to avoid the extra fee for eligible existing Sportsnet TV subscribers was through participating providers, including Rogers, Rogers West and Shaw Direct, which include access to the streaming-exclusive games.

For many Flames fans, the added expense was enough to keep them from watching Monday’s game. Several took to X to express their frustration with the new arrangement, with some questioning why they should have to pay more when they already subscribe to Sportsnet.

“Sounds like a good period of hockey! I am sure glad Sportsnet lets me see it,” one user chimed in on X.

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Calgary Flames fans upset over Monday’s game being on Sportsnet+ (X)

Monday’s matchup was the first of eight Flames games scheduled to stream exclusively on Sportsnet+ during the 2026-27 season. Calgary’s next such game is scheduled for Nov. 2 against the San Jose Sharks.

Here’s a look at the other six games that will also be broadcast exclusively on Sportsnet+:

  • Nov. 23 @ Ottawa
  • Jan. 18 @ Chicago
  • Feb. 1 vs. Vegas
  • Feb. 15 @ LA
  • March 15. vs. Nashville
  • Apr. 5 @ Edmonton

The Flames also have an additional four games that will be streamed exclusively on Prime Video’s Wednesday Night Hockey programming. Those games will come as follows:

  • Oct. 28 @ Edmonton
  • Nov. 11 vs. NY Rangers
  • Feb. 24 @ Utah
  • Mar. 3 vs. Edmonton

Sportsnet has said it is working with other Canadian distribution partners to give television subscribers additional options for accessing Sportsnet+ content.

However, with fans already paying for television packages and streaming services, the additional cost is proving frustrating for those who simply want to watch their favourite team play.

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