Apr 20, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; National Hockey League Commissioner Gary Bettman speaks at a press conference before the Pittsburgh Penguins host the Philadelphia Flyers in game two of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Apr 20, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; National Hockey League Commissioner Gary Bettman speaks at a press conference before the Pittsburgh Penguins host the Philadelphia Flyers in game two of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
The future of the NHL came into focus when NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman talked about expansion, growing popularity, and record-breaking growth. Bettman recently spoke with sports analyst Pat McAfee and gave a confident message about the league’s future.
When asked about long-term planning, Bettman pointed to steady growth in almost every area of the NHL. He said, "Continued growth. Our ratings have been extraordinary in terms of their growth. Our buildings are full, both for the regular season and playoffs.”
Bettman highlighted the NHL’s peak quality, expanding global reach, and strong ongoing growth trajectory. “The game’s never been better. So it’s bringing the game to more people on a worldwide basis. And I think we’re on a great trajectory for that growth.”
The message by Gary Bettman was clear. The NHL is not just stable; it is growing in many ways at the same time. More viewers, full arenas, and rising global attention all show this trend.
The league now sees its future in reaching more international fans and building a stronger media presence, not in staying the same.
Strong Numbers Back Gary Bettman’s Words About the NHL’s Growth
All the talks of the league’s growth, by Bettman, are backed by the strong numbers in recent years. According to Sports Business Journal and Sports Media Watch, the NHL averaged 546,000 TV viewers per game in the 2025–26 regular season.
This is the league’s highest viewership in 14 years and a 23% rise from last year across ESPN, ABC, and TNT/truTV.
This brings the league close to its 2012–13 level of about 590,000 viewers, based on Reuters Sports reports. Live attendance has also reached record levels. NHL data shows 23,158,522 fans attended games in the 2025–26 season, the highest total in league history and the fourth straight record-breaking year.
The league also kept a 97.5% average arena fill rate, with attendance rising to 98.5% after the Olympics.
With higher TV ratings, record crowds, and growing global interest, the NHL is clearly growing fast. Bettman’s statement is not just positive. It is backed by real data showing the league’s strong momentum.
With fan engagement growing and global reach expanding, the league’s direction appears stronger than ever.
What do you think? Was Gary Bettman right in his words? Or do you differ? Comment your thoughts.
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Written by
Kapil Manghnani
Edited by
Souvik Roy