Knicks, Ducks Among Local Ratings Gainers in Tough TV Era

Why It Matters

Hybrid broadcast‑streaming strategies are offsetting the decline of traditional regional sports networks, keeping local audiences and advertising dollars intact. The trend signals that owners and distributors must prioritize flexible, multi‑platform delivery to remain competitive.

Key Takeaways

• Chicago Blackhawks top NHL local audience gainer after Comcast deal
• Anaheim Ducks sustain 51% streamer growth via Victory+ and over‑the‑air TV
• NBA streaming share climbs to 15%, unique streamers up 43% YoY
• Playfly still manages all 83 teams despite RSN upheaval
• Main Street RSNs forecast $714 million revenue loss by 2027

Pulse Analysis

The erosion of legacy regional sports networks (RSNs) has forced leagues and teams to experiment with hybrid distribution models that blend over‑the‑air broadcasts with free, ad‑supported streaming. Nielsen data shows NHL in‑market deliveries rose 15% in 2025‑26, a surge largely powered by a 51% increase in unique streamers per game. This growth reflects a broader consumer shift away from costly pay‑TV bundles toward more flexible, internet‑based options, a trend that is reshaping how local sports rights are packaged and sold.

Case studies illustrate the competitive advantage of these new models. Chicago’s Blackhawks vaulted from the league’s biggest loser to its top gainer after Comcast secured carriage for CHSN on its premium $135‑per‑month Ultimate TV tier, stabilizing viewership in a market that values hometown teams. Meanwhile, the Anaheim Ducks leveraged a mash‑up of Fox’s KCOP and the free Victory+ platform to maintain a 51% rise in streamers, proving that a dual‑screen approach can sustain audience growth even without a traditional RSN. The NBA’s streaming share now sits at 15% of local deliveries, with unique streamers up 43% YoY, underscoring that digital pathways are becoming essential for fan retention and advertiser reach.

Looking ahead, the industry faces both challenges and opportunities. Main Street’s RSNs are projected to lose $714 million in revenue by 2027, prompting roughly 20 NBA and NHL teams to seek new distribution homes. Playfly Sports, which still services all 83 teams in its portfolio, is positioned to broker these deals and monetize the shifting landscape through ad sales and sponsorships. Upcoming events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup will test the resilience of local sports viewership against global broadcast competition, but early signals suggest that as long as teams remain accessible via flexible platforms, fan loyalty—and the associated revenue streams—will endure.