What revenue stream is no longer the most important to NHL teams?

The revenue stream that is no longer the most important to NHL teams is ticket sales, often referred to as "the gate." Traditionally, gate receipts from ticket sales represented a significant portion of a team's total revenue, especially in earlier eras of the league when attendance was a primary measure of a team's success and financial health.

However, in recent years, the landscape of sports financing has evolved. The NHL, like many other professional sports leagues, has seen a shift towards more diverse and lucrative revenue streams that have surpassed the income generated from ticket sales. Broadcasting rights have become particularly critical, with lucrative TV deals providing substantial revenue that supports teams financially even when attendance at games fluctuates. Additionally, sponsorships have grown significantly, with brands eager to associate themselves with NHL teams, which has led to considerable marketing income.

While merchandise sales contribute to the overall financial framework, they do not typically surpass the revenue generated from broadcasting rights and sponsorships, which have become essential engines for the financial health of NHL franchises in today’s landscape. Consequently, the reliance on gate revenue as the predominant source of income has diminished.