NHL dominating MLB, NBA and NFL in rising female viewership, showing that female fans are just as passionate as male fans
Recently, there's been lots of talk regarding the sport of hockey and the misogyny that, unfortunately, ties into it. Incidents such as the Hockey Canada scandals, a female reporter harassed by a male Leafs fan on live television, and Paul Bissonnette stating that the NHL's female fan base mainly exists because players are attractive are just a few examples.
Despite all of this happening, the NHL released statistical information on how much the NHL's female viewership has increased over recent years. It might surprise you to learn that out of all other sports leagues, the NHL has seen the steepest climb in female viewership.
For female NHL fans like myself, these numbers are more significant than they may seem. Female viewership is helping grow the game, but comments regarding their authenticity as fans can potentially be damaging. It doesn't make enjoyment of the sport appealing to future generations and could throttle the game's growth in a meaningful way.
Female fans are just as passionate and unhinged as men and deserve the same credit for sticking alongside their team through all the ups and downs.
