NHL reaches record revenue mark, hits other highs in business metrics

NHL revenue “is at an all-time high -- an estimated $6.2 billion annually” -- as the league has “bounced back in a major way from the pandemic,” according to Stephen Whyno of the AP. The NHL remains behind the NFL ($18.6B in revenue in 2022), MLB ($11.6B) and the NBA ($10.6B), but it is “not unrealistic to think $10 billion is attainable before the end of the decade.” NHL Chief Business Officer Keith Wachtel said, “We plan on getting there.” Whyno notes with three days left in the regular season, attendance has “set a record” across the league, as 22.5 million fans have “filled arenas to 97% capacity.” League officials “are quick to credit ESPN and Turner for buying in, and viewership is up 7% for the most-watched NHL season on cable in 30 years.” The on-ice product continues to provide a healthy dose of star power -- while future HOFers Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin “are still producing,” All-Stars like Connor McDavid, Auston Matthews and Nathan MacKinnon “are in their prime with another wave of talent led by the likes of Connor Bedard not far behind.” The league’s increased ability at “showcasing star players better than before in the team-first sport has helped” in all metrics (AP, 4/16).