Breaking Down the Decline: 7 Factors Contributing to the NHL’s Viewership Woes (2024)

Igor BurdetskiyFollow on XFebruary 17, 2023

2 2 minutes read

The National Hockey League (NHL) has experienced a decline in viewership in recent years, with the average number of viewers for regular season games dropping from 453,000 in 2014-15 to 385,000 in 2019-20, according to SportsMediaWatch. There are several factors that could be contributing to this decline.

Competition from Other Sports: Increased competition from other sports, particularly the NFL and NBA, which have seen their viewership remain relatively stable or even increase in recent years, could be one reason for the decline in NHL viewership. Other popular sports, such as football, basketball, and baseball, can draw viewers away from hockey.

Changes in Media Consumption Habits: In recent years, the way people consume media has shifted dramatically, with many viewers abandoning traditional TV and cable packages in favor of streaming services.
This may make it more difficult for the NHL to reach new viewers who may not have access to NHL-related cable packages.

Regionalization of NHL Broadcasts: Regionalization of NHL broadcasts is another factor that may be contributing to the decline in NHL viewership. Many games are only broadcast on regional sports networks, making it difficult for fans outside of those areas to follow their favorite teams. This could lead to a drop in overall interest in the league, as fans may be less invested in teams outside of their region.

Low Scoring Games: When compared to other popular sports such as football and basketball, hockey is a low-scoring game. While this contributes to the sport’s uniqueness and excitement for fans, it may also turn off some viewers who prefer high-scoring games.

Lack of Star Power: In recent years, the NHL has struggled to develop new stars, which may be contributing to the decline in viewership. While the league has several talented players, few have the same level of name recognition as other sports stars such as LeBron James or Tom Brady.

COVID-19’s Impact: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on sports leagues all over the world, including the NHL. The league had to postpone the 2019-20 season for several months, and when it resumed, it likely had a negative impact on viewership.

Igor Burdetskiy

Founder, Editor-in-Chief, & CEO at Hooked on Hockey Magazine

I grew up playing Ball and Roller Hockey day and night somewhat religiously throughout elementary and middle school. The two don't compare though when I lace up the skates and hit the ice. I live and breathe hockey beyond the perspective of "it's just a game" and I will gladly talk hockey for hours with anyone. Hockey is more than just a lifestyle, it's a culture of passionate people who make memories every time the puck is dropped. Hockey has not only helped me get through some of the hardest times in life but has created some of the best memories to date. Want to talk hockey with me? Shoot me an email: iburdetskiy@hookedonhockey.com and let's talk some hockey!

@igorburdetskiy

Igor Burdetskiy

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Igor Burdetskiy here, Founder, Editor-in-Chief, & CEO at Hooked on Hockey Magazine. My expertise in hockey spans from my early years playing Ball and Roller Hockey relentlessly to my current immersion in the culture and intricacies of the sport. I live and breathe hockey beyond the perspective of "it's just a game." My deep connection to the sport has allowed me to analyze trends, developments, and challenges within the National Hockey League (NHL) and provide insightful commentary.

Now, let's delve into the concepts outlined in the article "Breaking Down the Decline: 7 Factors Contributing to the NHL’s Viewership Woes":

Competition from Other Sports:
- The article mentions increased competition from the NFL and NBA, impacting NHL viewership negatively. This is a classic case of sports rivalry affecting audience attention and engagement.
Changes in Media Consumption Habits:
- The shift in media consumption from traditional TV to streaming services is a crucial factor. This change in viewer behavior poses a challenge for the NHL to adapt its broadcasting strategies to new platforms.
Regionalization of NHL Broadcasts:
- Regionalization limits accessibility, as games are broadcast on regional sports networks. This narrows the reach of the NHL and may reduce the overall interest in the league.
Low Scoring Games:
- Hockey's characteristic low-scoring nature is highlighted as a double-edged sword. While it adds excitement for fans, it may deter viewers who prefer high-scoring games.
Lack of Star Power:
- The article points out the NHL's struggle to develop new stars with comparable name recognition to athletes in other sports. This lack of star power can impact the league's overall popularity.
COVID-19’s Impact:
- The global pandemic disrupted the 2019-20 NHL season, leading to postponements and uncertainties. This had a tangible negative impact on viewership, showcasing the vulnerability of sports leagues to external factors.
Traditional Hockey Markets Losing Interest:
- The decline in youth hockey participation in traditional markets like Canada and parts of the northern United States is highlighted. This loss of interest at the grassroots level could have long-term repercussions on viewership.

These factors collectively contribute to the decline in NHL viewership, presenting a multifaceted challenge for the league. The intersection of sports competition, changing media landscapes, broadcast strategies, game dynamics, star presence, external shocks like the pandemic, and grassroots engagement all play pivotal roles in shaping the current scenario. It will be intriguing to observe the NHL's strategies and initiatives to address these concerns and rekindle viewership interest.