Ever since Twitter debuted, live-tweeting sporting events has become a time-honored tradition. Going on Twitter and getting your news immediately is a luxury many enjoy. It would make sense that the next step would be live streaming since Twitter has already dabbled in those fields with the purchase of Periscope and should only want to expand from there.
Recently, Twitter announced a partnership with the MLB, NHL and 120 Sports, which are all apart of a new deal struck between MLBAM and Twitter. One NHL game will be streamed for free on Twitter each week during the 2016-17 season.
The NHL may seem like the afterthought in this deal, but they could end up being the crown jewel of it by the end of the partnership. The MLB has taken big steps with its media engagement, but games can sometimes take up to 4+ hours and that doesn’t seem like a sport that would perform well over a live stream.
Meanwhile, the NHL has a strong yet active base that will watch no matter the platform. If online engagement can go up, the sport itself can grow with it. It is a very low-risk, high-reward proposition considering the stagnant numbers over at Twitter. It could be mutually beneficial for both sides as they try to find their footing in the modern, technological world.
For fans, this should be an encouraging sign for a sport that has been wary to take risks in the past. Sure, this is mostly brought on by their partnership with MLBAM, but bringing them in is still forward thinking. If all goes well, the NHL could expand in more exciting ways. Maybe virtual reality? I am definitely in if it means we get to see Gary Bettman wearing a silly contraption on his head.
