NHL's 2026 Playoffs Set Viewing Records with 1.8 Million Average Viewers

NEW YORK (AP) — The National Hockey League announced on Tuesday that the Stanley Cup Playoffs this spring achieved record-breaking viewership in the United States, averaging 1.8 million viewers. This marks a significant increase from the previous high of 1.56 million viewers set in 1996 and represents a remarkable 68% rise compared to last year's figures.

According to ESPN, this year's Cup final was the most-viewed since 2019, with the Carolina Hurricanes defeating the Vegas Golden Knights in a six-game series. Notably, this final did not feature some of the largest hockey markets in the country.

Part of the surge in sports ratings can be linked to a change in Nielsen's viewer measurement methods. However, the NHL's growing appeal, particularly among female audiences, has also played a critical role. Events like the 4 Nations Face-Off and the Olympics, along with media productions such as “Heated Rivalry” and "Off Campus," have helped introduce hockey to new viewers.