Sport: Hockey Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

Analyst casts doubt on NHL's next media rights deal despite ratings growth

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 27, 2026, 12:00 PM

Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Analyst casts doubt on NHL's next media rights deal despite ratings growth

Summary

The 2026 Stanley Cup Final averaged 5.2 million viewers, marking a significant increase from previous years. This strong viewership trend has led to expectations of higher media rights fees for the NHL. However, William Mao of Octagon indicates that the simultaneous negotiation of NFL rights and the changing media could hinder the NHL's potential gains. The NHL's current media rights deal with ESPN and TNT Sports, valued at $4.5 billion over seven years, is under scrutiny amid these dynamics. A reassessment of the NHL's media strategy may be necessary as competition from other sports intensifies.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Market Watch

•2026 Stanley Cup Final ratings up 106% from 2025.
•NHL's current rights deal is $4.5 billion through 2028.
•NFL's market influence may limit NHL's rights fee growth.
•Mao suggests NHL might need to reassess media rights strategies.
•Emerging interest from non-traditional sports bidders noted.

Latest Updates

12:00 PMYahoo Sports — Analyst: NHL may struggle to maximize next media rights deal despite ratings surge

What they're saying

"
Despite strong viewership in the 2026 Stanley Cup Final, a media rights analyst is casting doubt on the NHL’s ability to achieve significantly higher rights fees in its next media rights deal. The six-game 2026 Stanley Cup Final between the Carolina Hurricanes and Vegas Golden Knights averaged 5.2 million viewers according to Nielsen, the most-watched…
— Yahoo Sports

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