Hockey players are typically not bashful when it comes to debating plays on the ice, yet Wayne Gretzky and his fellow commentators have discovered the value of keeping the peace.
“We may have differing opinions on plays, players, or teams, but there’s no resentment,” Gretzky states regarding “NHL on TNT,” the sports show with which he recently renewed his contract. “Everyone respects the microphone and the camera. We work as a team, just like a hockey squad.”
Gretzky’s renewal with Warner Bros. Discovery’s TNT Sports comes at a pivotal time. The network’s flagship sports show, “Inside the NBA,” will be transitioning to Disney’s ESPN for the upcoming season, although Warner will continue to handle production. This suggests the company may be aiming to cultivate brand new franchises with its studio programming linked to its NHL and MLB rights.
“We aren’t trying to reinvent the wheel,” explains Gretzky, who is embarking on his fifth season with Warner. “We are primarily benefiting from the groundwork laid by the remarkable team on ‘Inside the NBA.’ They understand the game thoroughly and bring positivity, allowing their unique personalities to shine, even amid disagreements.”
Warner last updated Gretzky’s contract in 2023, alongside his colleagues Paul Bissonnette, Anson Carter, and Henrik Lundqvist. Together they collaborate with studio host Liam McHugh, to whom Gretzky believes they owe considerable credit. “I truly believe the show wouldn’t exist without him,” he asserts. “He’s a fan at heart. He’s passionate about sports, loves hockey, and genuinely wants the players to excel.”
This NHL season on Warner’s TNT Sports will feature 72 regular-season games scheduled for Tuesdays and Wednesdays, with Sunday games set to commence in Spring 2026. The season kicks off on Wednesday, October 8, with the Boston Bruins facing the Washington Capitals at 7:30 p.m., followed by the LA Kings taking on the Vegas Golden Knights at 10 p.m.
The schedule will also showcase the 2026 Discover NHL Winter Classic, where the reigning Stanley Cup Champions, the Florida Panthers, will host the New York Rangers at LoanDepot Park in Miami.
Gretzky notes that broadcasting can be just as demanding as playing the game itself. “It requires more preparation than most realize,” he explains, emphasizing the importance of being familiar with players and their capabilities. “It’s truly something essential to have,” he concludes.
