Kraken Games 2023-24: Navigating ESPN+, Blackouts & Broadcasts

Kraken Games 2023-24: Your Ultimate Guide to Navigating ESPN+, Blackouts & Broadcasts

As the Seattle Kraken charge into the 2023-24 NHL season, the excitement among fans is palpable. From thrilling goals to electrifying saves, every moment is a must-watch. However, for many, the biggest challenge isn't just seeing the Kraken dominate on the ice, but actually finding out *how* to watch the games. With a complex landscape of regional sports networks, national broadcasts, and streaming services like ESPN+, it's easy to feel lost. This comprehensive guide is designed to help you navigate the intricate world of Kraken broadcasts, ensuring you're always in the know, whether you're a seasoned hockey enthusiast or a new fan joining the "Release the Kraken!" chorus. We'll demystify blackouts, clarify streaming options, and help you avoid those frustrating moments where you feel like a kraken spiel verloren because you simply couldn't find the broadcast.

Decoding In-Market vs. Out-of-Market Broadcasts: The Crucial First Step

The single most important factor determining how you'll watch Seattle Kraken games is whether you are considered "in-market" or "out-of-market" for Root Sports Northwest (NW). This distinction dictates your primary viewing platform and significantly impacts your access to games.

In-Market Viewers: If you reside within the Kraken's designated broadcast territory, you are considered "in-market." For the Kraken, this includes the entirety of Washington, Oregon, and Alaska, as well as the Spokane DMA (Designated Market Area) of Idaho and Montana. If you live in these areas, Root Sports NW holds the exclusive local broadcast rights for the vast majority of Kraken games.
Out-of-Market Viewers: If you live anywhere outside of the Root Sports NW territory, you are "out-of-market." For these fans, ESPN+ generally becomes your go-to streaming service for non-national games, often providing the choice between the Kraken's Root Sports NW feed and the opposing team's regional broadcast.

Understanding this geographical segmentation is paramount. It's the foundational rule that governs which games are subject to blackouts and which platforms will carry your team's matchups. For a more detailed breakdown, check out our guide on Where to Watch Seattle Kraken Games: In-Market vs. Out-of-Market Guide.

The 2023-24 Regular Season: Your Broadcast Blueprint

The 2023-24 Kraken schedule is a mix of national showcases and regional broadcasts. Knowing which network carries which game is key to never missing a puck drop.

National Broadcasts: ESPN, ESPN+/Hulu, and TNT

A select number of Kraken games are designated for national broadcast, meaning they are typically available to a wider audience across the U.S. without the same regional blackout restrictions. These are marquee matchups:

ESPN/ESPN+: The season opener against Vegas on October 12th was exclusively on ESPN/ESPN+.
ESPN+/Hulu: A total of seven games are scheduled to air on ESPN+/Hulu, including the highly anticipated home opener against Vancouver on October 23rd. Subscribers to either service will have access.
TNT: Five Kraken games will be broadcast nationally on TNT, starting with the clash against Chicago on November 17th. Access to TNT typically requires a cable TV subscription or a live TV streaming service that includes TNT.

These national games are often the easiest to find for most fans, regardless of their market status, making them great opportunities to catch the Kraken in action.

Local & Regional Coverage: Root Sports NW & ESPN+

Beyond the national spotlight, the bulk of the Kraken's 82-game schedule—a substantial 69 games—falls under regional broadcast rights:

For In-Market Viewers: If you're located within Washington, Oregon, Alaska, or the Spokane DMA in Idaho and Montana, Root Sports NW is your primary channel. You'll need a cable or satellite subscription that carries Root Sports NW, or a live TV streaming service that includes it in your package.
For Out-of-Market Viewers: Fans living outside the Root Sports NW territory will find these 69 games exclusively on ESPN+. A major benefit here is the ability to choose between the Kraken's home broadcast (Root Sports NW feed) and the opposing team's regional feed, offering different perspectives on the game.

Navigating NHL Network Games: A Unique Blackout Scenario

Adding another layer of complexity are games broadcast on the NHL Network (NHLN). For out-of-market viewers, these games can present a unique blackout challenge:

NHLN has historically carried select games that are then blacked out on ESPN+ for U.S. viewers. For instance, in October, the Kraken had one preseason and two regular season games scheduled for NHLN broadcast.
If a Kraken game is on NHLN, it means NHLN replaces ESPN+ as the out-of-market service. In-market viewers, however, can still typically watch these games on Root Sports NW.
Tip: Always consult the official Seattle Kraken schedule or a reliable TV guide. These resources usually list the specific broadcaster for each game, noting "NHLN" when applicable. This proactive check can save you from a frustrating kraken spiel verloren moment.

Navigating the Dreaded Blackout Zones & Replays

Blackouts are perhaps the most common source of frustration for hockey fans, leading many to feel like they've lost out on watching a game. These geographical restrictions are a result of complex broadcasting rights agreements designed to protect local sports networks.

If you're an ESPN+ subscriber, but the Kraken are playing a team in your designated market (or if you're in the Kraken's market and they're playing on Root Sports NW), the game will likely be blacked out on ESPN+. This means you cannot stream it live through ESPN+ even with a subscription.

Practical Tips for Blackout Zones:

Know Your Market: Reiterate your in-market/out-of-market status. If you're in-market, Root Sports NW is your primary legal avenue.
Check Schedules Diligently: Always confirm the specific broadcaster for each game well in advance. The Kraken's official schedule is your best friend.
Consider Live TV Streaming Services: If you're in-market and don't have traditional cable, some live TV streaming services (e.g., FuboTV, DirecTV Stream) may carry Root Sports NW. Verify their channel lineups for your area.

Catching Up: Game Replays

Even the most dedicated fans might miss a live game, leading to that deflating kraken spiel verloren feeling. Thankfully, replays offer a solution, though with their own set of rules:

ESPN+ & NHL.com Replay Blackout: Both NHL.com and ESPN+ enforce an approximate 24-48 hour replay blackout for games. After this period, anyone with an ESPN+ subscription should be able to access the full game replay. This allows you to re-watch the action and catch up on any Kraken game you missed.
TNT Games: Based on past behavior, games aired on TNT during the regular season are not expected to show up on ESPN+ for replay. If you miss a TNT-broadcasted game, you might need to check the NHL app on smart TVs or gaming devices (like PS4/PS5). The NHL website and mobile app often redirect to ESPN+ for replays, so device-specific apps might be your best bet for TNT games.

Post-Season & Beyond: Playoff Viewing

When the Kraken make their push for the Stanley Cup, the broadcasting landscape shifts. The stakes are higher, and the viewing options become more consolidated.

First Round: Playoff games in the first round generally follow regular season rules. In-market viewers can expect to find games on Root Sports NW, while out-of-market games will be primarily on ESPN, ESPN+, and TNT.
Second Round Through Stanley Cup Finals: As the playoffs advance, regional coverage gives way to national broadcasts. From the second round onwards, expect games to air exclusively on ESPN, ESPN+, and TNT. Root Sports NW coverage typically ceases at this stage.
Comprehensive Playoff Coverage: The good news for all hockey fans is that virtually every playoff game from every series should be available across ESPN, ESPN+, and TNT. This means you won't miss any of the thrilling playoff action, even if it's not a Kraken game.

More detailed playoff broadcast information will be released by Root Sports NW, ESPN, TNT, the NHL, and the Kraken closer to the postseason.

Conclusion: Never Miss a Kraken Moment

Watching the Seattle Kraken should be an enjoyable, seamless experience, not a puzzling quest. By understanding the distinction between in-market and out-of-market, knowing the national broadcast schedule, and anticipating potential blackouts, you can confidently navigate the 2023-24 season. Always consult official schedules, have your ESPN+ subscription ready (or ensure your cable/streaming service includes Root Sports NW), and stay informed about NHL Network games. With this guide, you're well-equipped to cheer on the Kraken for every face-off, power play, and game-winning goal, ensuring you never have to lament a kraken spiel verloren simply because you couldn't find it. For a deeper dive into streaming, be sure to read Your Complete Guide to Streaming Seattle Kraken Hockey Live.