TNT Broadcaster Compares Taylor Swift to Wayne Gretzky During Stanley Cup Finals, Sparking Fan Backlash

During Game 4 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Finals, Taylor Swift and her boyfriend Travis Kelce attended the match between the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers, drawing significant media attention. TNT broadcaster Jackie Redmond compared Swift to Wayne Gretzky, calling her the 'Wayne Gretzky of music,' which sparked backlash from hockey fans who felt the comparison was excessive and inappropriate. Gretzky himself engaged with Swift and Kelce during the game and made a lighthearted comment about Swift, which went viral and added to the buzz surrounding her presence. The incident highlighted the blending of entertainment and sports, with broadcasters frequently referencing Swift's music during the game, including song lyrics to describe the teams' rivalry. While some fans embraced the attention Swift brought to the NHL, others criticized the focus on her at the expense of the sport. Overall, the event underscored the cultural impact of Swift and the challenges of balancing celebrity presence within traditional sports settings.