Let us shed some light on the subject. Blackouts are broadcasting restrictions imposed by broadcasters, professional sports teams and their leagues. Blackouts help foster fan support that generates revenue for local teams.

But we make sure you have plenty of sports programming to choose from - including 19 channels devoted exclusively to sports! We also carry NHL Pay Per View and NFL Sunday Ticket, showing up to 14 NFL games every Sunday during the National Football League regular season.

Blackout Details

The simplest type of blackout is also the oldest. This is where a local sports team blacks out a game in the city where it's being played.

Blackouts are set for city centres, typically within 50 km, and for regions, which can include provinces and territories.

Blackouts can also exclude any of these areas. A Canucks game can be blacked out locally, but available nationally. Or it might be the opposite — the game could be made available only to Vancouver residents, or might be shown to all of BC and the Yukon.

Each league has different blackout rules that can change at any time. Blackouts can also apply to PPV sporting events, such as Canucks hockey.

Check it onscreen

Blackouts can change without notice. The best way to check if your game is available is to look it up on your onscreen guide. If the guide states that the game is blacked out, or there's another program in its place, chances are you won't be able to see it. Sometimes there are last-minute exceptions, such as when a local CFL or NBA team sells out 72 hours before the game and releases it.

One of Shaw Direct's strengths is in local stations, many of which broadcast sports. Remember, sometimes one channel or network may have overriding rights to a sporting event. Search your onscreen guide to find out where your game is playing.