• Loading stock data...
Thursday, December 12, 2024
The 2024 Best Employers in Sports Award winners have been announced! See the full list of winners

Connor Bedard Was a Huge Draw As a Rookie. Will His Star Power Rise?

  • Bedard was selected with the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NHL draft by the Blackhawks.
  • In his rookie year, he had the highest-selling jersey among all NHL players.
Matt Blewett-Imagn Images

Last season, Connor Bedard, one of the most-hyped prospects in all of sports, made his NHL debut after being selected by the Blackhawks with the No. 1 pick.

It ended up being one of the most successful rookie seasons in NHL history (at least since Connor McDavid’s rookie campaign in 2015–2016)—not only because Bedard led all rookies in goals (22) and points (61) despite missing 14 games, but because of the buzz he generated for the NHL and Blackhawks.

Bedard’s Impact

  • Viewership: The NHL confirmed to Front Office Sports that viewership for nationally televised Blackhawks games was up 97% relative to the previous year. This included Bedard’s debut game against the Penguins that delivered 1.43 million viewers, making it the second-most-watched NHL regular-season game. NBC Sports Chicago, which shut down this week and will be replaced by the Chicago Sports Network, reported a 35% increase in viewership for Blackhawks games. 
  • Tickets: The Blackhawks saw a 22% increase in tickets sold versus the previous season, despite winning three fewer games and finishing with the second-worst record in the league, a team spokesperson told FOS. This translated to the second-highest percent increase in attendance across the league, just behind the Panthers, winners of the Stanley Cup. The team also reported a 50% uptick in season-ticket holders for this season. When Chicago played on the road, its opponents saw a 15% attendance bump relative to its average attendance.
  • Digital: Bedard’s debut game generated 300 million impressions across all social platforms, according to a Blackhawks spokesperson. Chicago also became the only NHL team to crack the top 50 North American sports brands in social following and engagement, according to analytics firm Blinkfire.
  • Merchandise and sponsorship: The 19-year-old finished with the highest-selling jersey among all NHL players last year, according to Fanatics. The sports merchandise giant also announced Wednesday it became the sole distributor of Bedard’s official licensed memorabilia—a partnership that Fanatics has with several major athletes, including Tom Brady, Alex Ovechkin, and Victor Wembanyama. 

In June 2023, Bedard became the first NHL athlete to sign an apparel deal with Lululemon. He also signed a contract with Gatorade in July.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Bill Belichick to Take College Plunge at North Carolina

UNC made the official announcement late Wednesday.
Dec 4, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) looks to pass against Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) in the first half at Kaseya Center.

Heat Open to Jimmy Butler Trades, but Here’s Why Deal Will Be..

The Heat are reportedly “open” to hearing trade offers for Butler.

NFL Scheduling Gambit Pays Off With Two Blockbuster Sunday Games

The Week 15 schedule has a game pairing seen only once since 1970.

Featured Today

Nov 2, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Detailed view of a Wilson NBA basketball held by a referee during the second half between the Utah Jazz against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena

‘Obvious Weak Point’: Refs Remain an NBA Gambling Concern

A season after Jontay Porter, the biggest risk may not be players.
Nov 2, 2024; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines cheerleader runs with a flag before the game against the Oregon Ducks at Michigan Stadium.
opinion
December 7, 2024

College Football’s Billionaire Backer Era Begins

Is this the new normal in CFB recruiting?
LA Galaxy forward Dejan Joveljic (9) celebrates with midfielder Riqui Puig (10) after scoring a goal against Seattle Sounders FC in the second half in the 2024 MLS Cup Western Conference Final match at Dignity Health Sports Park
December 6, 2024

With or Without Messi, Major League Soccer Is Barreling Into the Future

After the Cup final, the league looks to accelerate its growth.
Dec 18, 2022; Lusail, Qatar; FIFA president Gianni Infantino claps during the awards ceremony after the 2022 World Cup final between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium.
December 2, 2024

FIFA Wants More Matches. Resistance Is Growing Inside the Global Soccer World

Resentment and frustration over expanded schedules is nearing a breaking point.
Caitlin Clark

Caitlin Clark Is Next Up for Taylor Swift With the Eras Tour..

Swift told Clark she and Travis Kelce want to watch the Fever.
December 8, 2024

Juan Soto Agrees to Groundbreaking $765 Million Mets Deal

Unlike Ohtani’s Dodgers deal, the Soto contract reportedly contains no deferred money.
Aaron Rodgers
December 9, 2024

A Jets–Aaron Rodgers Divorce Could Get Expensive

The Jets could end up with $49 million or more in dead money.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
Oct 26, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; New York Yankees outfielder Juan Soto (22) reacts after hitting a home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the third inning for game two of the 2024 MLB World Series at Dodger Stadium.
December 8, 2024

Juan Soto’s $700M Question Looms Over MLB Winter Meetings

Soto, Hall of Fame picks, and the draft lottery highlight the gathering.
Luis Severino
December 5, 2024

Mere $67 Million for Pitcher Is Largest Deal in A’s History 

Severino had a strong season with the Mets after a tough 2023.
Jewell Loyd
December 5, 2024

Jewell Loyd Asks Out of Storm After Investigation Finds No Wrongdoing

Loyd reportedly filed the complaint of harassment and bullying by the coaches.
December 5, 2024

Hamilton’s Mercedes Era Ends in F1 Finale Amid Rising Tensions, Drama

Hamilton delivered eight constructors’ and six drivers’ championships for Mercedes.