(Courtesy of Creative Commons).

The National Hockey League (NHL) will remain on NBC and Versus for the next 10 years, following the announcement of a $2 billion broadcasting deal that guarantees exclusive broadcasting rights to the two networks. 

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman called the deal the most significant in league history, which will run through the 2020-21 season.

"This is right across all factors, not the least of which is the tremendous relationship we have with NBC and Versus," Bettman said. "When we looked at the entire package and the relationship, it was clear we were going to stay with the incumbent."

Under the new deal, NBC will remain the network home for the NHL with Versus retaining the major cable rights. NBC will also televise one game nationally per week as well as the popular Winter Classic, an annual outdoor hockey game held on New Year's Day.

According to the LA-Times, NBC and Versus will televise 100 regular-season games nationally next year, including all of the Stanley Cup playoff games.

Bettman said the deal was indicative of the sport's rising popularity, which has seen television ratings rise by 84 percent over the last four years.

NBC and Versus ultimately outbid ESPN, Fox and Turner for the exclusive broadcasting rights for the NHL.

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