Serena Williams Criticizes NHL’s Declining Excitement: “It’s Sad to See the Drop in Engagement — The League Is Getting Boring”

In a surprising moment of candid sports commentary, tennis icon Serena Williams has voiced her disappointment over what she sees as the declining appeal of the NHL’s 2024–25 season. Known for her passion across multiple sports, Williams didn’t hold back when asked about the state of professional hockey during a podcast appearance earlier this week.

“It’s sad to see the drop in engagement with the NHL this season,” Williams said. “The league is getting boring, and I think a lot of people feel the same way I do.”

Her comments come amid growing concern over the NHL’s struggling viewership numbers, dwindling social media buzz, and criticism of overly defensive play styles and lack of star power compared to other major leagues. While the NHL remains a cornerstone of North American sports, signs of fan fatigue are becoming more apparent — and Serena’s remarks have added high-profile weight to that conversation.

Williams, a long-time supporter of athletic excellence in all forms, acknowledged that while hockey is a physically demanding and storied sport, the 2024–25 season lacks spark.

“I used to look forward to the games — the rivalries, the energy, the pace,” she continued. “But now, something’s missing. It feels like the league is stuck in a cycle and afraid to evolve.”

Her remarks quickly went viral, with fans and analysts debating whether the NHL is truly losing its edge or simply going through a transitional period. Some agreed with Williams, citing stagnant team performances, lackluster broadcasts, and uninspired All-Star events as reasons for the decline. Others argued that the league is focusing on long-term structural changes that may not yet be visible to the casual viewer.

Social media erupted with mixed reactions:

• “If Serena’s bored with the NHL, you know something’s wrong.”

• “She’s just saying what hockey fans have been feeling for a while now.”

• “Let’s not forget how regional and tradition-bound hockey can be. It needs a spark, a crossover star — something fresh.”

So far, the NHL has not responded publicly to Williams’ comments. However, her words have undoubtedly intensified the spotlight on the league’s creative direction, fan engagement strategies, and overall relevance in a rapidly changing sports landscape.

As one of the most influential voices in modern sports, Serena Williams has once again sparked a necessary conversation — this time about a sport far from her own, but not outside her scope of influence. Whether her critique will push the NHL toward change remains to be seen, but the message is clear: if one of the world’s greatest athletes is tuning out, the league might want to start listening.