The NHL Sees Significant Viewership Surge With 2024 Playoffs
The 2024 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs achieved a remarkable milestone, becoming the second most-watched playoffs in the history of the league. This achievement is second only to the 1996 season, a nearly three-decade-old record.
According to the Sports Business Journal, this year’s NHL Playoffs averaged 1.54 million viewers, surpassing all other seasons except for 1996. The viewership increase is notable, especially considering that out-of-home viewing figures, which can significantly boost total viewership, were not tracked prior to 2020.
Broad Coverage Across Networks
The extensive coverage of the 2024 playoffs spanned multiple networks including ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, TNT, TBS, and truTV. This diverse broadcasting strategy contributed to a 26% increase in viewership compared to the previous season. An additional factor was ABC's exclusive airing of the entire Stanley Cup Final, a strategy not employed in the previous season.
Historic Game 7 Viewership
Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final stood out as the pinnacle of the season’s viewership success. With an average of 7.7 million viewers tuning in on ABC, it became the most-watched NHL game of the year. This figure is especially impressive given that the final did not involve any of the league's Original Six teams, traditionally known for drawing larger audiences. ESPN highlighted this achievement as the largest audience for a game not featuring an Original Six team.
Comparisons with NBA Playoffs
In contrast, the NBA Playoffs experienced a less successful viewership season. The NBA’s Conference Finals concluded just one game over the minimum, and the Finals saw a lopsided five-game victory for the Boston Celtics, contributing to lower viewer engagement. The NBA Playoffs averaged 4.53 million viewers, nearly triple the NHL’s average but still reflecting a downward trend from previous seasons. This stark difference highlights the growing appeal of the NHL despite traditionally being in the shadow of the NBA.
A Strong Spring for Hockey
The 2024 NHL Playoffs marked a robust period for hockey, supported by the league’s two national media partners. This year marked the third year of the seven-year partnership between the NHL, Disney, and Warner Bros. Discovery. The successful viewership numbers underscore the growing popularity and engagement with hockey, bolstered by strategic broadcasting and thrilling gameplay.
The 2024 NHL Playoffs not only demonstrated the league's ability to captivate a broad audience but also highlighted the effectiveness of its broadcasting strategy. With increasing viewership and significant games drawing record numbers, the NHL is poised for continued growth. For fans and analysts alike, this season’s success serves as a reminder of hockey's enduring appeal and its potential for further expansion.
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Source: Awful Announcing
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