V Sport Jääkiekko is a Finnish-language, subscription‑based television channel that specializes in the broadcast of ice‑hockey content. The channel is part of the V Sport family of sports networks owned by the Viaplay Group (formerly the Viasat media group).
Ownership and branding
- Owner: Viaplay Group, a Nordic media and entertainment company headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden.
- Branding: The channel adopted its current name in 2020 when Viasat’s sports channels were rebranded under the “V Sport” umbrella.
Programming focus
V Sport Jääkiekko’s schedule is centred on live and recorded ice‑hockey matches, as well as related studio analysis, highlights, and documentary programmes. Typical coverage includes:
- National leagues: Finland’s Liiga, Sweden’s Swedish Hockey League (SHL).
- International competitions: National Hockey League (NHL) games (subject to regional broadcasting rights), Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) fixtures, and major tournaments such as the IIHF World Championships.
Distribution
The channel is distributed via cable, satellite, and IPTV platforms throughout Finland. It is also available through the Viaplay streaming service, which provides live feeds and on‑demand content for subscribers.
Regulatory status
As a commercial broadcaster, V Sport Jääkiekko operates under the regulations of the Finnish Communications Regulatory Authority (FICORA) and complies with Finnish broadcasting standards.
Audience and market position
V Sport Jääkiekko targets Finnish ice‑hockey fans seeking comprehensive coverage of domestic and international competitions. It is positioned as a premium sports offering within the V Sport package, complementing other V Sport channels such as V Sport Football, V Sport Golf, and V Sport Tennis.
Historical context
The channel’s predecessor, Viasat Hockey, launched in the early 2000s as part of Viasat’s expansion into Nordic sports broadcasting. The 2020 rebranding to V Sport Jääkiekko aligned the channel’s identity with the broader V Sport brand while retaining its dedicated focus on ice hockey.
Current status
V Sport Jääkiekko continues to operate as a key outlet for ice‑hockey broadcasting in Finland, maintaining broadcast rights to a range of high‑profile leagues and tournaments and serving a niche audience of hockey enthusiasts.