The Varsity Gary Bettman on the NHL’s Media Moves
Sep 29, 2024
In this engaging discussion, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, a veteran leader in professional sports, highlights the NHL’s evolving media strategy as the league gears up for a new season. He shares insights on the NHL's global expansion, the success of recent media deals with ESPN, and their promising implications for viewer engagement. Bettman also touches on the enthusiastic launch of a new franchise in Salt Lake City, emphasizing the importance of community support and innovative fan interactions in shaping the league's future.
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NHL's Global Player Impact
- The NHL thrives internationally due to 1/3 of its players coming from outside North America.
- Playing games globally deepens fan engagement and encourages worldwide player development.
Media Partnerships Drive Growth
- ESPN and Warner Brothers Discovery have elevated NHL viewership to decade highs.
- The network partners use distinct approaches that successfully boost engagement and exposure.
Adapt Local Broadcast Strategy
- NHL teams should diversify local broadcast strategies due to collapsing regional sports networks.
- Options include over-the-air broadcasts and direct-to-consumer streaming to maintain revenue and viewership.