The latest NHL local viewership numbers reveal a mixed bag: while some teams enjoyed significant year-over-year increases, others faced steep declines. A prominent trend indicates that local game distribution significantly influenced these changes. Teams that switched from regional sports networks to local over-the-air channels saw boosts in viewership, while those tethered to regional networks with limited reach experienced considerable audience drops.
Austin Karp of Sports Business Journal reports that the Anaheim Ducks led the charge with a 75% increase, followed by the San Jose Sharks (42%), Washington Capitals (41%), Colorado Avalanche (40%), and Philadelphia Flyers (9%). Conversely, the Chicago Blackhawks suffered the largest decline at 78%, trailed by the New York Rangers (49%), Pittsburgh Penguins (38%), Tampa Bay Lightning (29%), and New York Islanders (28%).
In many cases, these viewership fluctuations correlate directly with distribution changes. For example, the Ducks moved their broadcasts from the little-watched FanDuel Sports Network SoCal to the Fox-owned MyNetworkTV affiliate KCOP. The Avalanche’s impressive 40% increase can be attributed to the recent distribution deal struck by the Stan Kroenke-owned Altitude regional sports network with Comcast, ending a six-year blackout.
On-ice performance also played a role; Capitals viewership received a boost due to Alex Ovechkin’s pursuit of an all-time goals record, while the Sharks saw an uptick in interest with the excitement surrounding No. 1 overall pick Macklin Celebrini.
The Blackhawks’ significant drop highlights the impact of their shift from the defunct NBC Sports Chicago to the Chicago Sports Network (CHSN), which has struggled with distribution on Comcast’s systems, leaving many fans unable to watch. Similarly, the New York Rangers have faced audience declines largely due to a protracted dispute between MSG Networks and Optimum, compounded by the team’s poor performance compared to last season.
Overall, the NHL appears to be grappling with the same local media challenges faced by both MLB and NBA teams. While transitioning to over-the-air broadcasts can enhance viewer numbers, it typically correlates with a decrease in local television revenue. As the landscape of fan engagement continues to evolve, such fluctuations in viewership, as seen this season, may very well become a regular occurrence.
