Stanley Cup Finals ratings in and it's not good news for the NHL or Gary Bettman

PUBLICATION

Josh tupper
June 14, 2023 (8:42 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

Every time that someone puts a microphone in front of Gary Bettman, the NHL commissioner is quick to tell everyone how great the league is doing. Recently Bettman talked about the success of the league being at record levels and discussed just how successful the playoffs had been. Unfortunately for Bettman this occured before the Stanley Cup Finals began.

With two non-traditional hockey markets in the Cup Final it was difficult to predict how ratings would end up. Well the ratings are in and it's likely worse than the league could have even imagined.

We knew it was going to be bad but holy hell. The Stanley Cup Finals national broadcast ratings down 43% this year from last year. It was the least viewed Stanley Cup Finals since 2007.

With new TV deals in place with ESPN this is an embarrassment for the league and for Bettman. But will he acknowledge his shortcomings?

POLL
JUIN 14 \| 1 ANSWERS Stanley Cup Finals ratings in and it's not good news for the NHL or Gary Bettman Did you watch the Stanley Cup finals?
Yes, I did	0	0 %
No, I didn't	0	0 %
I tuned in from time to time	0	0 %
See results	0	0 %
List of polls

MUST READ

Feb 15, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada forward brandon Hagel (38) plays the puck and Team United States defenseman Charlie McAvoy (25) defends in the second period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

14 minutes ago | By Tom Banks

Charlie McAvoy Sends Team USA and the World a Message After Leaving the Hospital

Dec 12, 2024; Elmont, New York, USA; New York Islanders defenseman Dennis Cholowski (25) celebrates his goal against the Chicago Blackhawks with right wing Simon Holmstrom (10) during the second period at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

1 hour ago | By Tom Banks

New York Islanders Place Former First Round Pick on Waivers

Jan 28, 2025; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames defenseman Tyson Barrie (8) skates with the puck against the Washington Capitals during the first period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images

2 hours ago | By Tom Banks

Calgary Flames Veteran Defenseman To Be Waived Today: Per Frank Seravalli

Feb 8, 2025; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Hurricanes center Seth Jarvis (24) celebrates his goal against the Utah Hockey Club during the second period at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images

3 hours ago | By Tom Banks

Team Canada Set To Make Major Lineup Change Ahead Of Four Nations Championship Game

Jun 28, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Eric (EJ) Emery is selected by the New York Rangers with the 30th overall pick in the first round of the 2024 NHL Draft at The Sphere. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

4 hours ago | By Daniel Lucente

Rangers' Top Prospect Picked In First Round Suspended After Intense On-Ice Clash

Mike Lange, former Pittsburgh Penguins broadcaster.

5 hours ago | By Tom Banks

Hockey World Mourning as Iconic Pittsburgh Penguins Broadcaster Passes Away; Tributes Flow For The Icon

Feb 17, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada forward Connor McDavid (97) skates with the puck during the second period in a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game against Team Finland at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn

18 hours ago | By Graham Montgomery

Connor McDavid Calls Out NHL for Excluding Some of the Best Players from the Four Nations Face-Off

Feb 15, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team United States forward Matthew Tkachuk (19) and Team Canada forward brandon Hagel (38) fight in the first period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

20 hours ago | By Julien Trekker