DIRECTV Adds Hurricanes, Blue Jackets, Wild and Blues Channels: Channel Numbers and Who Gets Them
DIRECTV announced on October 24, 2026 a multi-year deal with the NHL to carry the four new team networks: Hurricanes Hockey Network (Carolina), Blue Jackets Hockey Network (Columbus), Wild+ (Minnesota) and Blue Note+ (St. Louis). They're available to DIRECTV satellite and streaming customers who live in each team's NHL home territory and have CHOICE or a higher package, and to U-verse customers in those areas with U200 or higher. Before the deal, these networks weren't on DIRECTV at all this season.
Channel numbers for the four NHL team networks
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Carolina Hurricanes (Hurricanes Hockey Network) | 650 streaming and satellite; U-verse 1726/726 |
| Columbus Blue Jackets (Blue Jackets Hockey Network) | 660 streaming, 660-1 satellite; U-verse 1735/735 |
| Minnesota Wild (Wild+) | 668 streaming, 668-1 satellite; U-verse 1745/745 |
| St. Louis Blues (Blue Note+) | 673 streaming and satellite; U-verse 1747/747 |
| Package needed | CHOICE or higher (U-verse U200 or higher), in the team's home territory |
Who can watch these channels on DIRECTV?
Only customers who live inside a team's NHL-designated home territory get that team's network, and only with CHOICE or a higher package. ENTERTAINMENT doesn't include them. If you live outside the territory, you won't see the channel, and those teams' local games are available out of market through NHL Center Ice or ESPN's NHL Power Play package instead, subject to blackouts.
When did the channels start?
The deal was announced on Saturday, October 24, 2026. The Blues say Blue Note+ is on channel 673 starting with that night's Blues vs. Hurricanes game, and the Blue Jackets said their games were on DIRECTV starting that night as well.
What about bars and restaurants?
The agreement also covers DIRECTV FOR BUSINESS, so sports bars, restaurants, fitness clubs and other commercial venues inside each team's region can show these local games.
What this replaces
Earlier this season, DIRECTV customers in these markets could only see national games on ESPN, TNT, ABC and NHL Network, local broadcast simulcasts, or the team networks' in-market subscriptions on Prime Video. Those national games still air on DIRECTV as before. If you subscribed to a team network on Prime Video only because DIRECTV didn't carry it, check your package first: you may be able to watch on DIRECTV now.
Other NHL teams on DIRECTV
DIRECTV says it now has local rights for 23 U.S.-based NHL teams, and for 76 of the 81 U.S.-based NHL, NBA and MLB franchises. Our weekly NHL on DIRECTV schedule lists national games and channels.
Frequently asked questions
What channel is Hurricanes Hockey Network on DIRECTV?
Channel 650 on DIRECTV satellite and streaming, and 1726/726 on U-verse.
What channel is Blue Jackets Hockey Network on DIRECTV?
Channel 660 on DIRECTV streaming, 660-1 on satellite, and 1735/735 on U-verse.
What channel is Wild+ on DIRECTV?
Channel 668 on DIRECTV streaming, 668-1 on satellite, and 1745/745 on U-verse.
What channel is Blue Note+ on DIRECTV?
Channel 673 on DIRECTV satellite and streaming, and 1747/747 on U-verse.
Which DIRECTV package do I need?
CHOICE or higher, and you must live in the team's NHL home territory. On U-verse, you need U200 or higher.
Questions about your DIRECTV package? Call 1-855-690-9884 to check options at your address.
Details reviewed October 25, 2026 from DIRECTV's October 24, 2026 announcement and statements from the Wild, Blues and Blue Jackets. Start times, broadcast assignments, prices and package contents can change and vary by account, device and address. Team, league, network and service names, DIRECTV and related marks belong to their respective owners. American TV is an independent dealer and resource site.