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There’s no arguing how much ESPN mainstay John Buccigross loves his hockey. The longtime SportsCenter anchor was just about the only one at the network still promoting the sport while ESPN let its broadcast rights go elsewhere. But Buccigross is also aware of where his bread is buttered, which is part of why he recently offered up a suggestion that would undeniably make the NHL Playoffs worse for hockey fans.
Buccigross recently joined Sports Business Journal’s The Sports Media Podcast to discuss ESPN’s coverage of the NHL playoffs, which got underway over the weekend. During the segment, he was asked about ways to improve the network’s ratings for the sport. His suggestion is one that most hockey fans strongly disagree with.
“Again, the first round we’re not exclusive. I’m surprised, and I would think that next time, whether it’s us or TNT, we need exclusive playoff games,” Buccigross said. “I mean, we just can’t sacrifice a round where these big markets can watch on their regional sports network, whether it’s Philadelphia, Boston, Detroit, New York especially.”
ESPN and TNT currently hold national rights for the NHL through 2028. Under that agreement, regional sports networks can air a local broadcast of the opening round of the NHL playoffs. The NHL had a similar deal with NBC Sports prior to its current broadcast deal and has for at least as long as I’ve been watching hockey.
NHL Fans Destroy John Buccigross Over Ridiculous Suggestion For Playoff Broadcasts
Now, from a strictly business standpoint, Buccigross has a point. ESPN’s rating would inherently go up if fans could not watch any other way. But herein lies the problem. Most fans watch the opening round on RSNs because it’s simply a better viewer experience.
Commentators are better informed. The intermission reports focus on their favorite teams, and the broadcast is just generally geared toward the team they’re rooting for. Which is exactly why fans were quick to bristle at Buccigross’ suggestion.
“I’m sure fans will love not having their local broadcast and instead getting the privilege to hear someone who has hardly watched any of their team that season call Lucas Raymond ‘Mason Raymond’ for the fifth time that night,” one fan tweeted.
Another fan suggested that the league go in the complete opposite direction.
“Not only should they not make the 1st round national exclusive, EVERY round should be on local RSNs,” he wrote. “When you think of the Rangers 1994 cup, you think of Sam Rosen’s call.”
While that’s unlikely to happen unless RSNs come up with a lot more money, fans would likely agree. Many fans were far more critical of Buccigross’ idea, even launching personal attacks against the ESPN star.
Ultimately, regional sports networks are a huge part of being a fan. The more you cut them out, the worse the fan experience gets. And nobody, outside of John Buccigross and his employer, wants that to happen.