• Loading stock data...
Thursday, October 9, 2025

Bettman Says NHL On Pace To Set Attendance Records

  • Last season, the NHL set an attendance record of 22.4 million.
  • The league believes this year will be even bigger as more games are played in stadiums.
John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

The NHL is less than a month into its 2023-24 season, but the league is expecting this to be a monumental year.

After setting a new regular-season attendance record of 22.4 million last season, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman says the league is “tracking for a record year of attendance” yet again. Through October, season-wide attendance was 1.86 million.

That’s buoyed in part by the evolution of the NHL Stadium Series, which takes professional hockey outdoors to fans at major football and baseball venues across North America. “We’re coming together in numbers you’re not quite used to,” Bettman said on the “Pat McAfee Show.” 

In February, back-to-back games at MetLife Stadium will represent the 40th and 41st outdoor NHL games. 

Meanwhile, Bettman said that the NHL continues to receive interest about potential expansion teams in Atlanta, Houston, Salt Lake City, and Quebec City, but adding a 33rd team isn’t at the forefront of his thinking just yet. “I’m not ruling it out, but it’s not something we’re focused on or we’re pushing to do right now,” he said.

Olympic Ambitions

Bettman hopes that the 2026 Milano-Cortina Olympics will be the first Winter Games to feature NHL players since 2014. 

Despite the Olympics not being a moneymaker for the NHL, Bettman knows it’s important to the league’s players to be able to represent their countries. “It’s a logistical nightmare,” he said. “It takes place in the middle of our season. It’s very expensive, but it’s something that we’re working on.”

He did not give a timetable for confirming whether NHL players will be allowed to participate or not.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Mar 15, 2025; Buffalo, New York, USA; Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel (9) reacts after scoring a goal during the third period against the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center.

How Connor McDavid’s Extension Set Off a Wave of Big-Money Deals

Several notable contracts are completed in the wake of the superstar’s deal.

NHL Skates Into Season With Record Revenue, Rising Cap, and Labor Peace

The new season begins after a productive and historic summer.

Connor McDavid Signs Short-Term Deal, Eyeing Oilers’ Cup Window

The three-time Most Valuable Player signs for below his market value.
Sep 23, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Stars forward Adam Erne (76) looks on during the game between the Dallas Stars and the Minnesota Wild at American Airlines Center
exclusive

Dallas Stars Eyeing Possible Move to Plano in 2031

The team needs to figure out where they’ll play starting in 2031.

Featured Today

Paul Cartier

Sports Organists Are Still Thriving in the Era of Raucous Arena Music

“When they walk out and they see a real organ guy, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”
Sep 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio (11) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field.
October 4, 2025

Milwaukee Moneyball: Brewers Are Beating MLB’s Deeper Pockets

Milwaukee is holding its own against big-budget competitors.
Kōloa Rum Company Rum Rusher
September 27, 2025

Panthers Bubbly, Jets Wine, Manning Whiskey: The Sports Booze Boom

A sommelier dives into the sports booze trend—and tries Jets wine.
Nov 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers fans wave Terrible Towels against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium
September 26, 2025

Steelers’ Irish Roots Are Deeper Than NFL Dublin Game

The Steelers have history and the foundation for a future in Ireland.
Alexis Ohanian

Alexis Ohanian Tweaks Track Rivals With Promise of Instant Payments

Athletes will be paid minutes after finishing their races at Athlos.
October 8, 2025

MLB’s Rare October Day: Four Playoff Games, Four Possible Clinchers

Four separate clinching opportunities are available during the day.
exclusive
October 8, 2025

Bud Selig: ‘Remarkable’ Brewers Run Can’t Mask MLB’s Money Divide

The former commissioner lauds his hometown team while raising economic concerns.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
October 7, 2025

‘Absolutely Ridiculous’: Trump Blasts NFL Over Bad Bunny Choice

The president predictably panned the NFL’s selection of the Puerto Rican superstar.
Maverick Carter, LeBron James
exclusive
October 7, 2025

New International Basketball League Plans Launch, Without Maverick Carter

The venture plans to launch men’s and women’s leagues next fall.
Taylor Swift
October 7, 2025

Taylor Swift Explains Why She Isn’t Playing Super Bowl Halftime

She said she’s “too locked in” on Travis Kelce’s season to perform.
UFL Football
October 7, 2025

UFL Moving Three Teams to Soccer Stadiums in Columbus, Orlando, and Louisville

The UFL is moving its teams to smaller stadiums.