Through the mid-way point of their respective season, here are the local ratings for NHL and NBA teams located in the same market.
In 12 the 15 markets with both NBA and NHL teams, the NBA team has the highest average rating. In Detroit, the Pistons lead the defending NHL champion Red Wings 3.9 to 3.7. In the Bay Area, the woeful Golden State Warriors are still drawing higher ratings than the best-in-the-West San Jose Sharks, 1.5 to 1.3. And while the Blackhawks have returned to prominence in Chicago, the Bulls still outdraw them by 136%.
In Philadelphia, Minnesota and Washington, the NHL has the advantage. In Minnesota, the Wild double the Timberwolves in television ratings, 2.2 to 1.1. In Philadelphia, the Flyers have a 47% advantage over the 76ers. And in Washington, Alex Ovechkin and the Capitals lead the woeful Wizards 1.2 to 1.1.
Ratings for NBA and NHL teams in the same market.
From Sports Business Journal (NHL article | NBA article)
Numbers current as of January 11.
Atlanta
1.5: NBA, Hawks (SportSouth, 17 games)
1.3: NBA, Hawks (FS South, 15 games)
0.2: NHL, Thrashers (SportSouth)
Boston
3.7: NBA, Celtics (CSN New England)
2.2: NHL, Bruins (NESN)
Chicago
2.6: NBA, Bulls (CSN Chicago, 32 games)
1.9: NBA, Bulls (CSN Chicago+, 1 game)
1.1: NHL, Blackhawks (CSN Chicago)
Dallas
1.2: NBA, Mavericks (FS Dallas)
0.5: NHL, Stars (FS Southwest)
Denver
2.2: NBA, Nuggets (Altitude, 32 games)
1.7: NHL, Avalanche (Altitude)
1.4: NBA, Nuggets (Altitude2, 4 games)
Detroit
3.9: NBA, Pistons (FS Detroit, 29 games)
3.7: NHL, Red Wings (FS Detroit)
1.2: NBA, Pistons (FS Detroit+, 4 games)
Miami
2.2: NBA, Heat (Sun Sports)
0.2: NHL, Panthers (FS Florida)
Los Angeles
4.2: NBA, Lakers (FS West)
0.6: NBA, Clippers (FS West, 6 games)
0.5: NBA, Clippers (FS Prime, 15 games)
0.4: NHL, Kings (FS West)
0.3: NHL, Ducks (FS Prime Ticket)
Minneapolis
2.2: NHL, Wild (FS North)
1.1: NBA, Timberwolves (FS North)
New York
1.2: NBA, Knicks (MSG)
1.0: NHL, Rangers (MSG)
0.6: NBA, Nets (YES)
0.4: NHL, Devils (MSG+)
0.2: NHL, Islanders (MSG+)
Philadelphia
2.2: NHL, Flyers (CSN Philadelphia)
1.5: NBA, 76ers (CSN Philadelphia, 32 games)
1.0: NBA, 76ers (CN8, 1 game)
Phoenix
3.4: NBA, Suns (FS Arizona)
0.5: NHL, Coyotes (FS Arizona)
SJ/SF/Oakland
1.5: NBA, Warriors (CSN Bay Area, 33 games)
1.3: NHL, Sharks (CSN Bay Area)
1.0: NBA, Warriors (CSN Bay Area+, 1 game)
Washington
1.2: NHL, Capitals (CSN Mid-Atlantic)
1.1: NBA, Wizards (CSN Mid-Atlantic, 25 games)
0.6: NBA, Wizards (CSN Mid-Atlantic+, 7 games)
