Television Audience Numbers for Stanley Cup Final
Television audience numbers in the United States for the recent Stanley Cup Final matchup between the Edmonton Oilers and the Florida Panthers experienced a decline compared to their previous encounter. The broadcast, which aired on TNT, attracted an average of 2.5 million viewers, a drop from 2.8 million who watched the Panthers secure their championship during Game 6 last year. This marks a steep decrease from the 4.17 million viewers who tuned in when the final was shown on ABC in 2022, making it the lowest viewership since the series featured Tampa Bay and Montreal in 2021.
Viewership Trends Compared to Previous Events
In contrast, viewership shares climbed by 15% compared to TNT’s previous Cup Final broadcast, which saw the Vegas Golden Knights triumph over the Panthers. Engagement with NHL content on social media platforms surged by 32% throughout the playoff season, highlighting the growing interest in hockey, despite traditional viewership challenges.
Canadian Viewership Highlights
Up north, Canadian viewership painted a different picture with an average of 3.8 million fans watching the final on Sportsnet, showcasing the continued popularity of the sport. Notably, superstar Connor McDavid was vying for his first championship appearance, adding to the excitement. Playoff viewership in Canada averaged 1.8 million, an increase of 6% compared to the previous year, although five Canadian teams were included among the 16 playoff participants.
Comparison with International Events
Additionally, ratings for this Cup Final drastically fell short of the February 4 Nations Face-Off, an international competition that featured elite NHL players. This highly anticipated face-off between the U.S. and Canada garnered 9.3 million viewers in the United States and 10.7 million in Canada, while the round-robin games averaged 4.6 million viewers across North America, indicating a healthy appetite for hockey during international events.
