The Canada-USA final at the 4 Nations Face-Off has set a new benchmark for hockey viewership on ESPN, attracting an astounding 9.3 million viewers. This remarkable figure not only marks the highest hockey audience ever recorded on the network but also surpasses the viewership numbers for any NHL game in history.
The intense rivalry between Canada and the USA, combined with the high stakes of the 4 Nations Face-Off, captivated audiences and generated significant buzz. The game, which featured thrilling plays and nail-biting moments, kept fans on the edge of their seats and contributed to the impressive viewership numbers.
Comparatively, the viewership for the 4 Nations Face-Off final has eclipsed that of major MLB and NBA All-Star games. The 2024 MLB All-Star Game attracted 7.44 million viewers, while the 2025 NBA All-Star Game saw a significant drop, drawing only 4.7 million viewers. The hockey final’s viewership highlights a growing interest in international hockey and suggests a potential shift in audience preferences.
The best decision they could have taken
The NHL’s decision to replace its traditional All-Star Game with a high-stakes international tournament appears to have paid off, capturing a larger audience and generating more excitement. The success of the 4 Nations Face-Off final indicates that viewers are increasingly drawn to competitive and meaningful games, rather than exhibition matches.
While it’s too early to definitively say if the NHL has permanently taken over the audience of MLB and NBA during their All-Star games, the impressive viewership numbers for the Canada-USA final suggest a strong shift in viewer preferences, at least for this year. The NHL’s ability to draw such a large audience for an international event could influence future decisions regarding the format and promotion of their All-Star games.
As the NHL continues to innovate and adapt to changing audience demands, the league’s focus on high-stakes international tournaments may prove to be a winning strategy. For now, the record-breaking viewership of the Canada-USA final stands as a testament to the growing popularity and excitement surrounding international hockey.
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