The National Hockey League (NHL) has continued its partnership with IMG for the latter to extend its oversight of the league’s international social media strategy.
The extended agreement will see IMG continue to manage and deliver end-to-end content production, publishing and reporting for the NHL’s 28 international social media channels across eight markets.
This includes dedicated channels for audiences in Australia, Czech Republic, Germany, Finland, Mexico, Sweden and Switzerland, as well as the NHL’s pan-European Instagram and TikTok channels.
Jaka Lednik, NHL SVP of International, said: “Social media remains key in driving fan engagement, among both our core fanbase and casual hockey fans.
“Being able to speak to these fans in their local language with relevant storylines, while taking into account local cultures, is a priority. We are once again putting our trust in IMG to help us design and execute our social media strategy in Europe.”
IMG has managed NHL’s international social media strategy since 2019, recently overseeing the social media production for the 2024 NHL Global Series games in Munich, Prague, and Tampere.
This saw IMG deliver on-site digital content capture in five languages and partnering with broadcasters, commercial partners, and hockey organisations across Europe and North America.
Earlier this year, IMG oversaw the launch of four new channels across Instagram and WhatsApp, growing the league’s social media footprint across international markets and engaging more fans around the world.
IMG also serves as an advisor on the NHL’s international media rights deals – outside North America and Nordic territories – and broadcasts live coverage of the league to international aircrafts and cruise ships via Sport 24.
Lewis Wiltshire, SVP and Managing Director, Digital at IMG added: “The success of the NHL Global Series shows the power of fan engagement and digital to drive international growth. We’re pleased to extend our relationship with the NHL to help the League build an even deeper relationship with its international fans across Europe and beyond.”
