Stanley Cup Final Audience Declines
The television viewership figures in the United States for the Stanley Cup Final rematch between the Florida Panthers and the Edmonton Oilers experienced a decrease compared to the previous year’s matchup.
An average of 2.5 million viewers tuned in to TNT, while 2.8 million witnessed the Panthers’ victory in Game 6, which secured them the championship. This overall number on cable is lower than last year’s 4.17 million, when the final was broadcast on free-to-air television by ABC, and represents the lowest figure since the series between Tampa Bay and Montreal in 2021.
However, the viewership increased by 15% compared to the first Cup final broadcast by TNT in 2023, where Vegas defeated Florida. In addition, social media interaction with NHL content grew by 32% during the playoffs.
In Canada, the final was watched by an average of 3.8 million viewers through Sportsnet, while Connor McDavid sought his first championship. The average of 1.8 million viewers during the playoffs, which included five of the 16 participating teams based in Canada, represents a 6% increase over the previous year.
The ratings for the Cup final were significantly lower than those for the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament in February, an international event that brought together the best NHL players.
The final between the United States and Canada was watched by 9.3 million people in the United States and 10.7 million in Canada, after the six group stage games averaged 4.6 million in North America.
