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NHL Boosts National TV Games to Combat Viewership Decline

8/28/2025

Summary

NHL Teams' TV Expansion

The Colorado Avalanche and Boston Bruins will each appear on national TV 17 times in the 2025-26 NHL season.
TNT will broadcast 72 games, increasing from 59 last season, while ESPN will air 100 games.
The NHL's national TV schedule will feature 132 games, up from 109, to combat a 12% viewership decline.
The New York Islanders will have 10 nationally televised games on ESPN and TNT.
ESPN's "The Point" studio show will debut on October 7, coinciding with the season opener.

Summary

NHL Teams' TV Expansion

The Colorado Avalanche and Boston Bruins will each appear on national TV 17 times in the 2025-26 NHL season.
TNT will broadcast 72 games, increasing from 59 last season, while ESPN will air 100 games.
The NHL's national TV schedule will feature 132 games, up from 109, to combat a 12% viewership decline.
The New York Islanders will have 10 nationally televised games on ESPN and TNT.
ESPN's "The Point" studio show will debut on October 7, coinciding with the season opener.

History

Historical Context

In 1994, the NHL's groundbreaking television deal with ESPN transformed sports broadcasting, resulting in a 25% viewership increase. This marked a pivotal moment in the league's history, as it capitalized on growing popularity. As of the 2025-26 season, the NHL is responding to a 12% decline in viewership by featuring 132 nationally televised games to boost audience engagement.

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NHL Teams' TV Expansion

The Colorado Avalanche and Boston Bruins will each appear on national TV 17 times in the 2025-26 NHL season.
TNT will broadcast 72 games, increasing from 59 last season, while ESPN will air 100 games.
The NHL's national TV schedule will feature 132 games, up from 109, to combat a 12% viewership decline.
The New York Islanders will have 10 nationally televised games on ESPN and TNT.
ESPN's "The Point" studio show will debut on October 7, coinciding with the season opener.

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