The inaugural 4 Nations Face-Off tournament has been a ratings success story, and now, as the United States and Canada prepare to battle for the championship this evening, excitement continues to build across all ESPN platforms. Earlier this week, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman joined ESPN Radio’s Joe & Q program, hosted by Q Myers and Jonathan Zaslow, to discuss the tournament’s impact. Reflecting on the event’s reception, he expressed his enthusiasm for how well it has resonated with sports fans across the country.
“It’s very gratifying to see how the tournament has played out and how people have reacted to it,” Bettman said on ESPN Radio. “There was a fair amount of cynicism going into it as to whether or not this was going to be a meaningful tournament.”
Since becoming NHL commissioner in 1992, Bettman has guided the league through numerous achievements, including expansion efforts and growing global interest. However, he has also navigated challenges such as work stoppages and a global pandemic. Despite these hurdles, his passion for international hockey competitions remains strong. He believes these tournaments not only elevate the level of play but also showcase the sport’s best talent on a global stage.
“The physicality, the injuries,” Bettman explained. “There’s no doubt that our players are playing all out and with passion, which they do. They love the game of hockey. They love playing for their NHL teams. They love playing for their international teams. And so, hockey players are really special when it comes to that level of passion and commitment to the game.”
Earlier this week, the tournament demonstrated its growing appeal when the United States faced Sweden in a thrilling matchup. Notably, TNT Sports recorded an average of 1.8 million viewers for Monday night’s broadcast, which aired on TNT, truTV, and Max. This milestone not only marked the most-watched non-playoff hockey telecast in TNT Sports network history but also became the highest-viewed hockey event ever on Max.
Looking ahead, Bettman remains optimistic about the future of international hockey. Given the overwhelmingly positive response to this year’s event, the NHL intends to build on this momentum. Plans are already in place to carry this level of elite competition into next year’s Winter Olympics, followed by a highly anticipated World Cup of Hockey in 2028.
“What I’m gratified by is how well this has been received, not just by hockey fans but by sports fans in general,” Bettman said. “If you’re a sports fan and you’ve taken a peek at what’s been going on, maybe we’ve got you now as a hockey fan. And if you haven’t been watching, watch tonight.”
With the championship matchup set, all eyes will be on the United States and Canada as they battle for the 4 Nations Face-Off title. The action begins tonight at 8 p.m. Eastern across all ESPN platforms.
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