The 4 Nations Face-Off has proven to be a resounding success, effectively replacing the NHL’s traditional All-Star Game. The recent Saturday night matchup between the USA and Canada set a new viewership record, averaging 4.4 million viewers on ABC, with a peak at 5.1 million. This event has become the most-watched NHL broadcast outside of the Stanley Cup Final since 2019.
Last night’s #4Nations game between the U.S. and Canada averaged 4.4 million viewers in the U.S. on ABC, according to Nielsen fast national data. It peaked at 5.2 million. Most-viewed non-Stanley Cup Final hockey telecast since 2019.
— Alex M. Silverman🏒⚽️ (@AlexMSilverman) February 16, 2025
ESPN reported that viewership was 473% higher than the 2016 World Cup of Hockey game between the USA and Canada. The game saw the two North American teams tied after the first period until Dylan Larkin’s goal and assist secured the victory for the U.S., guaranteeing their spot in Thursday’s final on ESPN.
Initiated to help the NHL reconnect with international hockey, the 4 Nations Face-Off has dramatically outperformed the league’s typical All-Star event. Team USA’s opener against Finland matched the ratings of a standard All-Star Game, while the Saturday ABC game’s viewership more than doubled that figure. According to Sports Media Watch’s Jon Lewis, the Face-Off is now responsible for three of the six largest NHL audiences this season.
Securing a viewership number comparable to the late games of the Stanley Cup Final for an All-Star event, especially against NBA All-Star Saturday night, marks a significant achievement for the NHL. The league typically experiences fewer than 500,000 viewers for regular season games and, like the NBA and MLB, faces challenges in attracting interest during the lengthy season.
With hopes of building on this strong performance, the NHL aims to draw larger audiences throughout the week, though it will face the challenge of transitioning to cable. TNT will broadcast Monday night’s games before ESPN takes over for the final on Thursday.
