In a deal worth about $2 billion and labeled as the most significant US media rights partnership in NHL history, NBC will exclusively air more hockey to American fans than ever, during this 10-year agreement. NBC will remain as the network home for the NHL, while partner Versus will be hockey's cable home. NBC and Versus will air a combined 100 games each season, nearly double the previous number of regular season contests. Every playoff game will be shown live on NBC or Versus.  In the expiring contract, Versus paid about $75 million annually to broadcast games for the past six years. NBC had been paying no rights fees, instead splitting profits with the NHL. The Versus Network will be renamed with NBC in its new title within 90 days. ESPN and Turner Sports were the two other bidders that negotiated with the NHL.