that still doesnt answer the question gatecity.
why do people try to compare the 2 leagues, nhl and nba together.
one league is watched all over the world, the other is a cult league. one has global superstars, the other has nobodies. one has major tv deals with espn, tnt, abc, the other is on something called versus.
the similar leagues for comparison would be nba and mlb based on reputation, worldwide following, and big names. none of these leagues come close to the nfl.
nhl would be the cult sport like mls, with similar ratings and fan following. more people know who landon donovan is then sidney crosby. that should tell you enough.
Hockey is obviously more popular outside of the US. Notice how soccer isn't broadcast on ESPN or ABC but it's extremely popular? You need to think more before you post. The NBA is more popular in America but it's not huge over the NHL. Here are last year's ratings for NHL and NBA for teams that have both.
Atlanta
1.5: NBA, Hawks (SportSouth, 17 games)
1.3: NBA, Hawks (FS South, 15 games)
0.2: NHL, Thrashers (SportSouth)
Boston
3.7: NBA, Celtics (CSN New England)
2.2: NHL, Bruins (NESN)
Chicago
2.6: NBA, Bulls (CSN Chicago, 32 games)
1.9: NBA, Bulls (CSN Chicago+, 1 game)
1.1: NHL, Blackhawks (CSN Chicago)
Dallas
1.2: NBA, Mavericks (FS Dallas)
0.5: NHL, Stars (FS Southwest)
Denver
2.2: NBA, Nuggets (Altitude, 32 games)
1.7: NHL, Avalanche (Altitude)
1.4: NBA, Nuggets (Altitude2, 4 games)
Detroit
3.9: NBA, Pistons (FS Detroit, 29 games)
3.7: NHL, Red Wings (FS Detroit)
1.2: NBA, Pistons (FS Detroit+, 4 games)
Miami
2.2: NBA, Heat (Sun Sports)
0.2: NHL, Panthers (FS Florida)
Los Angeles
4.2: NBA, Lakers (FS West)
0.6: NBA, Clippers (FS West, 6 games)
0.5: NBA, Clippers (FS Prime, 15 games)
0.4: NHL, Kings (FS West)
0.3: NHL, Ducks (FS Prime Ticket)
Minneapolis
2.2: NHL, Wild (FS North)
1.1: NBA, Timberwolves (FS North)
New York
1.2: NBA, Knicks (MSG)
1.0: NHL, Rangers (MSG)
0.6: NBA, Nets (YES)
0.4: NHL, Devils (MSG+)
0.2: NHL, Islanders (MSG+)
Philadelphia
2.2: NHL, Flyers (CSN Philadelphia)
1.5: NBA, 76ers (CSN Philadelphia, 32 games)
1.0: NBA, 76ers (CN8, 1 game)
Phoenix
3.4: NBA, Suns (FS Arizona)
0.5: NHL, Coyotes (FS Arizona)
SJ/SF/Oakland
1.5: NBA, Warriors (CSN Bay Area, 33 games)
1.3: NHL, Sharks (CSN Bay Area)
1.0: NBA, Warriors (CSN Bay Area+, 1 game)
Washington
1.2: NHL, Capitals (CSN Mid-Atlantic)
1.1: NBA, Wizards (CSN Mid-Atlantic, 25 games)
0.6: NBA, Wizards (CSN Mid-Atlantic+, 7 games)