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Oilers to blackout playoff games until 50/50 pot reaches $1 million
Photo credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images
Apr 1, 2026, 08:00 EDTUpdated: Mar 31, 2026, 23:23 EDT
In a statement on Wednesday morning, the Edmonton Oilers announced they are blacking out playoff games on television – but there’s a catch.
The game telecast will start once the Oilers Community Foundation’s 50/50 pot reaches a minimum of $1 million. If the pot doesn’t hit the mark, no Oilers hockey will be seen on Sportsnet.
Instead, the broadcast will feature a loop of Gene Principe interviewing various 50/50 winners. Despite each and every Edmonton Oilers game intermission featuring 50/50 related content, the team reassures fans that they have several hours of unseen footage.
“We know we have the best fans in the entire National Hockey League,” the team said in a statement. “However, we know some have not yet contributed to the 50/50 pot. We feel this is one way to remind fans that watching Oilers’ playoff hockey is a privilege – not a right.
“Plus, we have hours of behind-the-scenes footage, including visits to 50/50 winners’ new homes. It won’t be limited to this year’s winners either. This is a way to celebrate how life-changing our 50/50 is to Oil Country, something that is bigger than the game.”
This is a one-of-a-kind pilot project in sports broadcasting, which may shape the future of how fans consume hockey content in Edmonton. While it’s expected to take some fans some time to get used to this decision, some analysts are suggesting that it doesn’t go far enough.
Sports media expert Jacques Strapp says if technology continues to improve, individual screens may be blacked out if those spectators haven’t contributed to the pot.
“We could also see AI replace the game on their telecasts if they haven’t bought a 50/50 slip. Instead of watching Connor McDavid, you’d only be allowed to watch AI Connor McDavid,” said Strapp.
So, be ready. With the first round of the playoffs just a couple of weeks ago, it’s best to set aside a couple dollars for the “privilege.”
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