
Henrik Lundqvist #30 of the New York Rangers looks on before playing against the New Jersey Devils. (Feb. 7, 2012) Credit: Jim McIsaac
My level of anticipation for Nielsen’s annual Year in Sports roundup is a sign I have been on the business / media beat way too long. But check out some of the highlights:
The Rangers were the No. 1 NHL team in online “buzz,’’ a measure of mentions on various sites, narrowly edging the Bruins. (The Islanders ranked 13th.)
Tim Tebow had the top-selling sports biography, doubling second place Michael “The Blind Side’’ Oher.
AT&T Wireless was the biggest TV advertiser in sports, doubling second-place Bud Light.
Peyton Manning had the top N-Score – a measure of endorsement potential – among Caucasian consumers.
Serena Williams was No. 1 among blacks, Tom Brady among Hispanics and Roger Federer among Asians.
Derek Jeter’s 3,000th career hit was the most buzz-generating event of the MLB season, far ahead of Albert Pujols’ three home runs in a World Series game.
Martin Brodeur’s N-Score of 14 led all active NHL players. The long retired Wayne Gretzky’s figure: 203.