NHL TV ratings take drastic nosedive and the league could be in trouble

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Axel Williams
October 24, 2024 (10:15)

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TV ratings are a huge metric of success for any professional sports league, and the NHL is absolutely no different.

Over the years, the NHL has struggled to keep up with competitors like the NBA and the NFL. At the end of the day, hockey is a bit more niche, so it makes sense that it wouldn't stack up. However, the league can, in fact, compete against itself and try to improve the ratings year in and year out.

Unfortunately, it appears as though the league is now losing that battle, and Gary Bettman must do something about it. According to a new report from Sports Media Watch, NHL TV Ratings are down across the board compared to last year. This is not good and could spell trouble for the future.

"Wednesday's Sabres-Penguins NHL regular season game averaged a 0.28 rating and 512,000 viewers across TNT (0.23, 422K) and truTV (0.05, 90K), down 32% in ratings and 27% in viewership from Penguins-Red Wings last year (0.41, 699K).

The prior night, ESPN averaged a 0.21 and 417,000 for Wild-Blues, down 29% and 24% respectively from Lightning-Sabres a year ago (0.29, 552K). The Flyers-Oilers nightcap had 333,000 (-35%).

All eight games on ESPN and TNT that can be compared to last season have declined."

At this stage, it remains clear that something must be done to improve the situation. However, that is easier said than done. With illegal streaming on the rise, the NHL must figure something out.

Are you worried about the NHL and its TV ratings? Let us know in the poll down below and stay tuned to Hockey Unplugged for the latest news and updates from around the hockey world. We will continue to keep you informed on your favorite players and teams.

Source: Sports Media Watch
Ratings: NHL, NASCAR and more