Report: ESPN lands rights to World Cup of Hockey

The NHL appears to have secured another major network partnership. 

ESPN, with an apparent renewed interest in the NHL brand, has landed the rights to broadcast the 2016 World Cup of Hockey, according to TSN's Rick Westhead.  

The network's successful bid will make the tournament - slated for fall 2016 - available in roughly 100 million homes across the United States. 

ESPN has not broadcast the sport since the 2004-05 lockout.

The World Cup will pit the United States and Canada against other international hockey powers and two all-star teams. 

The NHL currently has broadcast deals with NBC and FOX.