At the annual pre‑Stanley Cup Finals press conference, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman surprised reporters by admitting he had spent an entire evening watching the six‑episode Amazon Prime series 'Off Campus'. The confession came as the league celebrated a historic season marked by soaring attendance, revenue and television ratings.
The series effect on the league
Bettman said the popularity of 'Heated Rivalry' and 'Off Campus' has helped draw new fans to hockey, boosting ticket sales and overall engagement. He noted that the shows have become part of the conversation around the sport, contributing to the NHL's record‑setting performance in the 2023‑2024 season.
The league reported revenues between $7.5 billion and $8.5 billion, surpassing previous highs, while attendance and TV ratings also hit unprecedented levels. Sports Business Journal highlighted the NHL's growth as a cultural phenomenon beyond the rink.
Behind the scenes of the shows
'Off Campus' is an adaptation of Elle Kennedy's bestselling book series and features a raunchier tone than its counterpart 'Heated Rivalry'. The series includes more actual hockey footage, though some viewers have questioned its on‑ice accuracy. The cast includes relatively unknown actors Ella Bright and Belmont Cameli, alongside veteran Steve Howey.
Rachel Reid, author of the 'Heated Rivalry' saga, was also mentioned during the conference as a key figure in the narrative that has captured fans' imaginations. Both series are produced under the Amazon Prime banner, which continues to expand its sports‑related content portfolio.
Looking ahead
Bettman confirmed that season two of 'Heated Rivalry' is slated for an April 2027 release, promising further story development. While he enjoys the creative energy the shows bring, he remains cautious about the league's embrace of their more provocative content, emphasizing the need to balance entertainment with the sport's traditional values.