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Local Capitals viewership spikes year-over-year on linear TV and streaming platforms during 50th anniversary season
Washington, D.C. (February 4, 2025) – Halfway through the 2024-25 season, local TV viewership for Washington Capitals games has increased 19% in the D.C. and Baltimore markets compared to last season, independent media platform Monumental Sports Network (MNMT) announced today (Source: Nielsen Media Research, HH demo. DC + Baltimore DMA’s. Data based on game-by-game averages through 41 games. 10/13/23 – 1/8/25).
Despite shifting viewer behavior, live Capitals games have had a strong performance on linear TV through the first 41 games this season, as the team jumped out to a 27-10-4 record and Alex Ovechkin continued his chase of the NHL goal-scoring record. Notably, MNMT viewers have showed a large preference for watching live Capitals games compared to competitor networks’ programming, with MNMT outperforming ESPN2 by 547%, Fox Sports 1 by 415%, and TNT by 245% in the local markets during the game timeframe (Source: Nielsen Media Research, 10/12/24 – 1/8/25, DC + Baltimore DMA’s, P2+ demo).
Meanwhile, streaming activity for Capitals games has never been higher, buoyed by the launch of the best-in-class Monumental+ digital platform ahead of the season. Through the midway point, Capitals fans have streamed 139% more total minutes than they did during the first half of the 2023-24 season and unique streaming viewers for Capitals games have increased 107% year-over-year (Source: Streaming data from ViewLift reports. 10/13/23 – 1/8/25.)
In addition to the standard game broadcasts, MNMT has offered a variety of programming related to the Capitals 50th anniversary throughout the season, including special ancillary coverage centered around the five eras of Capitals hockey being celebrated by the team.
“Monumental Sports Network is proud to see a significant surge in viewership for the Capitals during this historic season, featuring both the team’s 50th anniversary celebration and Alex Ovechkin’s pursuit of Wayne Gretzky’s goal-scoring record,” said Zach Leonsis, President of Media & New Enterprises at Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE). “The loyalty and passion of our fans, tuning in both on TV and through our innovative streaming platform, Monumental+, is truly remarkable. As we continue to deliver more ways for fans to connect with the team, this growth reflects the strength of the Capitals’ on-ice performance and the team’s deep bond with our community.”
Capitals viewership has continued to grow to start the second half of the season, with the team currently sitting atop the Eastern Conference standings. MNMT recorded its highest viewership for a Capitals game this season during the Jan. 16 contest against the Ottawa Senators. Linear viewership for the Senators game (HH) was up 21% compared to this season’s previous most-viewed game (11/6/24 vs. Nashville), and MNMT outperformed CBS’ programming by 63% and ABC by 53% in the local markets during the game (P25-54) (Source: 10/12/24 – 1/16/2025, HH & P25-54 demos, DC data based on NLTV reports & BL data based on Overnight Playfly reports. Comparisons vs Competing Channels (Overnight data to compare directly with other networks: DC + BL DMA’s)).
In total, 69 regular season Capitals games will air on Monumental Sports Network during the 2024-25 season. In addition to live games, the network’s Capitals coverage includes live gameday programs Capitals Pregame Live and Capitals Postgame Live, Capitals-themed original programs Caps Red Line and Caps Rink Report, and robust multiplatform content covering top storylines. MNMT is also offering a slate of alternate broadcasts for Capitals games divided into four brands: Monumental Deportes: NHL En Vivo, Monumental FM, Monumental Connect, and Monumental Legends.
Live Capitals games on Monumental Sports Network are available to local fans both on linear tv and via streaming platforms within the network’s coverage area, stretching from Richmond to Delaware. Capitals fans can watch the games through their TV provider, on monumentalplus.com, or by downloading the Monumental+ app on iOS, Android, Apple TV, Roku, and Amazon Fire TV and using an eligible TV provider log-in.
Fans without a TV provider who are interested in watching live Capitals games and receiving other outstanding benefits can purchase an annual direct-to-consumer membership priced at $199.99 per year at monumentalplus.com (savings of $39.89 per year compared to 12 months of a monthly subscription). Monthly memberships with access to all live games on MNMT, alternate broadcasts, and app-exclusive features are also available at $19.99 per month.
In addition to the network’s Capitals coverage, Monumental Sports Network is the exclusive local television media rights holder for the NBA’s Washington Wizards, WNBA’s Washington Mystics, and NBA G League’s Capital City Go-Go. It also proudly boasts a comprehensive schedule of original programming and live college football, college volleyball, college and high school basketball, and esports, as well as Washington Spirit (NWSL), Old Glory DC (Major League Rugby), Washington Freedom (Major League Cricket), and Annapolis Blues (NPSL) games. In total, MNMT will air close to 500 total games during the 2024-25 season, an all-time high.
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About Monumental Sports Network
Monumental Sports Network is wholly owned and operated by Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE). The network holds exclusive local television media rights for the NHL’s Washington Capitals, NBA’s Washington Wizards and WNBA’s Washington Mystics games. MNMT is also the TV and digital home to the NBA G League’s Capital City Go-Go and the NBA 2K League’s Wizards District Gaming as well as exclusive behind-the-scenes content and original sports and entertainment programming. The network also boasts the most comprehensive regional high school and collegiate sports programming in the greater Washington D.C. metro area. For more, visit monumentalplus.com.
