The NHL just announced a brand new deal that is going to be a game changer for international fans of the New Jersey Devils. They have partnered with sports streaming platform DAZN to move NHL.tv to the service.
This brings the NHL to over 200 markets through a service that’s already gaining steam across the world. DAZN streams internationally appealing sports like boxing, European and North American soccer, and international rights to the NFL. This is a platform that, while not as popular in the United States, has really grown its popularity on a national scale.
This is another broadcasting win for the NHL, which has covered its own international streaming for years. Partnering with a platform that is already focusing in its marketing to those markets allows the NHL to grow organically. The effort becomes less, and the stars become bigger.
DAZN provides opportunity for New Jersey Devils to build fanbase
The Devils boast quite a few international stars who could be big in these markets. Jesper Bratt is one of the best Swedish players in the league, and we expect his star to shine even brighter once the Olympics come around. Jacob Markstrom might be the netminder for Sweden, as well. Timo Meier and Nico Hischier are the best of the best when it comes to hockey in Switzerland, and they can surprise a few folks in Italy next year with the help of defenseman Jonas Siegenthaler.
They also have up-and-coming Russian players who could become international fan favorites. Arseniy Gritsyuk, Mikhail Yegorov, and Anton Silayev all have amazing upside while having yet to play an NHL game.
The Devils are looking to become a bigger and bigger brand. They put marketing dollars behind their social media and do what they can to stay relevant in the lexicon of hockey. Most importantly, they need to win to stay relevant.
If the Devils become a contender, then this deal will be great for them. Fans across the world want to see a winner, and if the Devils become that, they will grow their fanbase tenfold. DAZN will only help.