NEW YORK: The National Hockey League (NHL) in conjunction with ESPN International have announced that international distribution of NHL programming is at an all time high. .
 

An official release informs that there are 41 worldwide syndication partners throughout 217 countries and territories. In India the NFL airs on ESPN. The NHL and ESPN International recently secured new international television agreements in Europe, including newcomer Polsat in Poland.

The NHL also has boosted its record number of international broadcast outlets by reaching new agreements in: the Czech Republic (Galaxie/Czech TV/NOVA), Finland (MTV3), France (Canal+/Sport+), Germany (Premiere), Hungary (Sport1), Italy (Sky Italia), the Middle East (Showtime/Fox Sports), Portugal (Sport TV), Slovakia (Galaxie/Markiza), Spain (Canal+), Romania (TV Sport) and Sweden (SVT/Kanal Fem/TV4). After televising its first-ever NHL coverage last season during the Stanley Cup Playoffs Hong Kong will be back for another year of HL action as Hong Kong Cable TV also renewed its agreement.

The release adds that this years NHL international broadcast distribution will air more than 400 original NHL games. It is estimated that over 300 million households outside North America receive NHL programming. ESPN International distributes NHL programming to more than 120 countries and territories on its networks that televise throughout Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and the Pacific Rim.

Other NHL international programming scheduled for distribution outside North America. Specials this season will include NHL PowerWeek This weekly show focusses on the Leagues international players and highlights of the weeks best plays.

The NHL claims to have one of the most diverse talent pools in pro sports. 24 countries are represented in the League this season. One-third of the NHL (236 players) hail from outside North America.