So for the first time, I believe ever, every NHL playoff game will be nationally broadcast in the US. As a hockey fan I think it is the greatest thing that's ever happened, but in a country where hockey is considered a 4th sport, it was a gutsy move by NBC. My first guess would be the lack of NBA playoff overlap, but it also could be a set part of NBC's new exclusive American deal with the NHL.
Early ratings are showing the move as a success, as first round ratings are higher than last years', as high as 77% up when looking at individual games with comparable coverage. I know its been great for me, being able to watch a lot more games, and not having to do so online on illegal sites, but I think it will be a great help for the growth of the game. The NHL and NBC have really taken advantage of the spotlight opportunity afforded them. The NBA is having a ton of problems, and no playoffs at the moment, baseball is in the beginning stages of the season and isn't of that much interest to many people at the moment and the NFL has nothing happening besides the draft at present. The NHL has one of its first opportunities to be the star and the network and league are exploiting that. Maximum exposure and prime TV slots will help bring hockey to a broader audience and I think grow the sport.
This isn't necessarily an exclusively marketing topic, but how do you think the potential growth of hockey could affect the other major leagues and their advertising revenue streams? Might any major companies jump ship from other sports or shift advertising funds to the NHL?
