Why are hockey games not shown on major networks? Like ESPN, ABC, NBC, CBS, or the WB?

Well if you watched they're sure to have a wider viewing audience.

The NHL has always had this problem of seeking a mainstream American audience and has tried many times to contract nationalized broadcasts.... they were once in a contract with ESPN and they do have some limited broadcasts contracted with NBC. It isn't becuase of lack of trying... it is becuase the market is limited here.

The fact is that hockey in America is a cult sport: a very loyal but small fan-base and mostly has a singular demographic (middle-class to upper middle class white households)... its not really a dream market for television networks when they are competing with other sports on other channels.

BTW, it should be stated that hockey is mostly a Canadian sport in North America and it gets major network attention in that nation. The Hockey Night national broadcast sometimes can get better ratings in Canada than Monday Night Football can get in America... and definitely more of a percentage share of the nation on a routine basis.

I FEEL YOUR PAIN !!!!! What a freak show! At times like this I get an eerie feeling because I remember September 10, 2001. The major news was all about Gary Condit and Chandra Levy with some Anna Nicole thrown in. Time to wake up people!

ESPN/ABC (same company): Wanted in back when the last contract was up, wasn't willing to overpay like Versus did

NBC: Uh... actually play NHL games

CBS: NBC was willing to pay more.

The WB: Hasn't existed since 2006, was never a major network

As a sidenote, I have to say I don't appreciate your moniker. Casey G's mother is a wonderful woman who does fantastic things with her tongue for a quarter.

NBC will carry a few later in the season, right now it's college ball. The biggest reason that we don't get much in regular broadcasts was due to the last strike and the fact that the NHL signed with Versus (a cable channel). The NHL was seeing record broadcasts before the strike (although ratings were not that good) but lost a lot of credibilty when the strike happened.

It is shown on NBC, only later in the season, I know ESPN and ABC should cover it, and the WB is now the CW to correct yourself.

The NHL has a contract with NBC for a limited schedule of regular season and playoff games.

Have a great day...

The NHL doesn't lend itself to commercials like football. Since the action doesn't stop as much they have a harder time getting the ads in. Since they have a harder time getting the ads the networks don't want to pay as much, since it is harder for the advertisers to get their time so they don't want to pay as much.

Maybe if you spent more time with your son and less time at golden carral then you would know they they are shown on NBC...

Omg.. I think I just pissed myself to Chuck's and Dale's comments. I have to wear khaki's at my job, and you can see a little dark mark.