Forbes noted that it "ranks fans objectively based on quantitative fan consumption metrics." These have always included local television ratings; attendance in relation to capacity; secondary ticket demand (via StubHub); merchandise sales (via Fanatics); and social media reach (Facebook and Twitter).
This year, Forbes added a new component, per Nielsen - a percentage of each team's metropolitan area that watched, attended and/or listened to a game in the past year.
"Our fans are amazing, and they've always been No. 1 in our eyes," said David Morehouse, president and CEO of the Penguins. "This latest ranking just confirms it. We continue to be humbled by the support we receive from fans in all these metrics and are always looking for new and innovative ways to engage our fan base."
Rounding out the top 10 in the NHL, according to Forbes, were Boston, Chicago, Vegas, Buffalo, Toronto, St. Louis, Winnipeg, Nashville and Detroit.
