The Lightning’s 2024-25 national television schedule includes the team’s regular-season opener and Steven Stamkos’ first game back in Tampa as an opposing player.
The Lightning have nine exclusive nationally televised games this season. Eight will be on the ESPN/ABC networks, the ninth a TNT broadcast.
But those who wish to watch the Oct. 11 opener at Carolina or Stamkos’ first regular-season visit to Amalie Arena Oct. 28 with Nashville will have to be subscribed to ESPN+ or Hulu.
The start of the Predators game has been moved from 7 p.m. to 7:30 to accommodate the national broadcast.
Of the Lightning’s eight national games on the ABC/ESPN networks, only three — Feb. 8 at Detroit (ABC), March 6 vs. Buffalo (ESPN) and March 8 against Boston (ABC) — will be available on regular cable/streaming options.
The Lightning’s sole TNT game is Nov. 27 at home against the Capitals. It is the early game of the network’s Thanksgiving Eve national doubleheader.
The remaining games are set to be shown on Bally Sports Sun, whose parent company, Diamond Sports Group, agreed to remain the local rightsholder for the nine NHL teams still under its umbrella as it works to reorganize from Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
The NHL announced three other Lightning start-time changes, moving the start of the Jan. 24 game at Chicago from 7:30 to 8 ET, and home games Feb. 7 against the Flyers and Feb. 25 against the Oilers from 7 to 7:30.
The schedule is subject to change.
Lightning national TV schedule
Oct. 11, at Carolina, 7 p.m., ESPN+/Hulu
Oct. 28 vs. Nashville, 7:30, ESPN+/Hulu
Nov. 7 vs. Philadelphia, 7:30, ESPN+/Hulu
Nov. 27 vs. Washington, 7:30, TNT
Feb. 8 at Detroit, 1, ABC/ESPN+
Feb. 25 vs. Edmonton, 7:30, ESPN+/Hulu
March 6 vs. Buffalo, 7, ESPN
March 8 vs. Boston, 3, ABC/ESPN+
April 1 at NY Islanders, 7:30, ESPN+/Hulu
