Capitals-Devils Sets New Total Viewership Record for Opening Game on Monumental Sports Network

Network records most streamed game ever during Saturday’s game against New Jersey 

Washington, D.C. (October 15, 2024) – Monumental Sports Network (MNMT) recorded its highest total viewership for a Washington Capitals opening game on the network during Saturday’s contest between the Capitals and New Jersey Devils. Washington kicked off its season after a week filled with celebrations in honor of the team’s 50th anniversary season.  

Combining both linear TV and streaming data, total viewership for Saturday’s broadcast was up 12% compared to the first game aired on MNMT during the 2023-24 season (10/16/23 vs. Calgary), despite directly competing with multiple high-profile college football games. Saturday’s game was notably the most streamed game ever (based on unique viewers) on the Monumental Sports Network app, recently relaunched as Monumental+ before the current season. Streaming for the 2024-25 season opener was 104% higher than the most streamed Capitals game last season (4/16/24 vs. Philadelphia) and was 397% higher than last season’s regular season streaming average. (Source: Nielsen Media Research, DC DMA only, HH, P2+, and P25-54 demos. Streaming data from ViewLift reports. 10/13-23 – 10/12/24.) 

“We are delighted to open up the Capitals season with a record level of viewership,” said Zach Leonsis, President of Media & New Enterprises at Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE). “This milestone is a phenomenal way to kick off the Capitals 50th Anniversary celebration and we hope to continue this success throughout this exciting season.”   

In total, 69 regular season Capitals games will air on Monumental Sports Network during the 2024-25 NHL season. In addition to live games, the network’s Capitals coverage will include comprehensive gameday programs, Capitals-themed original programming, and robust multiplatform content covering top storylines, such as the team’s 50th anniversary celebration and Alex Ovechkin’s chase of the NHL goal-scoring record. 

MNMT will surround Capitals games with live gameday programs Capitals Pregame Live and Capitals Postgame Live. Both programs will be broadcasted from MNMT’s state-of-the-art studios and will provide news, analysis, and commentary for a half hour before and one hour after games. MNMT will also offer a plethora of in-depth coverage and robust Capitals content via the network’s original programming, including Hometown with Rachel Nichols, Caps Red Line, and Caps Rink Report  

Last week, MNMT announced a slate of alternate broadcasts for Capitals games divided into four new brands: Monumental Desportes: NHL En Vivo, Monumental FM, Monumental Connect and Monumental Legends. As part of Monumental Desportes, MNMT will provide five Spanish-language broadcasts of Capitals games during the upcoming season, with Moisés Linares as the Spanish play-by-play announcer and Carlos Rossell offering color commentary. The first Spanish-language broadcast will debut during tonight’s game against the Vegas Golden Knights. Monumental FM will showcase prominent figures from D.C.’s sports and morning radio scenes, while Monumental Connect will be an interactive format emphasizing fan engagement during games. These broadcasts will be filmed at popular D.C. locations and will feature fun interactions with the live audience, giveaways, and compelling social media content to engage with fans. During Monumental Legends broadcasts, Capitals fans can expect real-time game analysis and appearances by notable alumni and NHL figures, who will share captivating behind-the-scenes stories and discuss current NHL topics.  

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 men’s and women’s college basketball, college football, college volleyball, high school basketball, and esports, as well as Washington Spirit (NWSL), Old Glory DC (Major League Rugby), Washington Freedom (Major League Cricket), Hershey Bears (AHL), and Annapolis Blues (NPSL) games. 

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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: www.monumentalsportsnetwork.com.       

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