Professional hockey is having great momentum. The 2024-25 season has been amazing in terms of ticket sales and fans engagement. 23,014,458 fans packed arenas across 1,312 games, making this a record-breaking season with 96,9% capacity. This industry is attracting more fans, younger and older, all eager to witness a true battle on the ice.
Sharks center Maklin Celebrini (71) battles Mammoth players Kailer Yamamoto (56) and Logan Cooley (92) for the puck after a faceoff – Photo by Jack Lima
The role of betting and fan engagement in these numbers
This incredible attendance, that is still growing, is due to a number of reasons. One of them is the role of betting in engaging fans, making them feel like they are playing alongside their favorite teams. For those who want to stay updated on the latest betting odds and hockey game analyses, it’s essential to rely on trustworthy and up-to-date sources. Online platforms and websites help develop a cult following for the league, the teams and the players themselves, with odds analysis and in-depth narrative pieces. This overlap between competitive narratives and wagering interest is likely to deepen, especially as data and momentum become more accessible to fans through digital channels.
The global reach of NHL and its peculiar attendanceÂ
On a macro level, the NHL is seeing measurable gains in both its business and fan metrics. The last season has not been an isolated incident. This is the third consecutive year when fan attendance is growing. $6.6 billion in revenue obtained by the league in 2024 are driven not only by game tickets, but also the global impact of hockey as a phenomenon. The underdog story, the amazing juggernaut of teams like the Utah Mammoths, the sense of community among viewers are all ingredients of this success. All storytelling devices that drive emotional involvement from old and new fans alike, happy to discover what will happen next. And the market is expanding, too, with people from China and Japan slowly entering the hockey arena both as players and fans.
Competitive and storytelling shifts
Utah Mammoth’s story is crucial in creating a new story to be told. The team has undergone a complete rebranding and attracted young talents, energizing for the game and the audience’s attention. Smart management and long-term commitment make us think this story is continuing to be told. Elsewhere in the league, the “Ovechkin – Gretzky goals chase” remained a storyline for the ages, fueling fan interest and media coverage. The entry of young, promising talents to the arena makes people want to see where they’re heading next, and fans’ excitement has never been this high.
The role of community in both sports viewing and practice
Hockey is not only a professional sport, but also the glue that makes generations stick together. From an audience point of view, watching NHL together is a great way to create community. Families, friends groups and even schoolmates plan hockey nights where the sport is front and center and connection is a great benefit. Also, the Utah franchise has involved 10,000 young players in the first year alone, providing a safe space to younger generations to aspire to professional sport practice.
Is this success sustainable?
We know these all look like positive signs for the NHL and the sport as a whole, but there are possible challenges ahead. The momentum is right, but it will slow and stop eventually. Every enthusiasm is posed to fade in time, and hockey will probably live moments of more and less international success. We are optimistic though: the most iconic sport stories have begun with a bunch of people believing in the dream and a lot of supporters following along.
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