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Jan 19, 2026
By the Numbers
Rivalry matchups consistently deliver stronger sustained viewership than comparable non-rivalry games, as shared history and narrative depth keep audiences engaged longer across the broadcast.
Signals to Watch
Narrative and shared history play a major role in audience retention, particularly when rivalries are reinforced through storytelling, broadcast framing, and season-long context.
How This Could Play Out
Scheduling and promotion may increasingly emphasize rivalry dynamics, particularly in broadcast windows where audience retention matters most.
Source
Sources
Nielsen Sports viewership research. NHL broadcast scheduling patterns.
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