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Bettman Seeks Primetime Olympic Broadcasts After Mixed Ratings

2/26/2026

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Summary

Story summary

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman says he has mixed feelings about the U.S.-Canada Olympic final, despite NBC ratings of 18.6 million and a 26 million peak, given IOC footage restrictions for marketing.
The 8:10 a.m. ET start limited viewership, a scheduling choice tied to Verona's Closing Ceremony.
Bettman plans talks with IOC President Kirsty Coventry on the 2030 France and 2034 Salt Lake City Games to enable primetime broadcasts.

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Story summary

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman says he has mixed feelings about the U.S.-Canada Olympic final, despite NBC ratings of 18.6 million and a 26 million peak, given IOC footage restrictions for marketing.
The 8:10 a.m. ET start limited viewership, a scheduling choice tied to Verona's Closing Ceremony.
Bettman plans talks with IOC President Kirsty Coventry on the 2030 France and 2034 Salt Lake City Games to enable primetime broadcasts.