Anaheim Ducks Revolutionize Local Game Broadcasts
The Anaheim Ducks have announced a groundbreaking shift in their approach to local game broadcasts, combining direct-to-consumer streaming with traditional local broadcasts. This initiative aims to widen accessibility for fans across the Ducks' television market, offering a seamless blend of modern technology and traditional viewing methods.
Innovative Streaming and Broadcasting
Starting next season, 65 of the Ducks' games will be broadcast on an over-the-air channel in Los Angeles. Beyond traditional TV, all games will be regionally streamed on the new Victory+ streaming service, free of charge. This move significantly enhances access for fans, ensuring that everyone within the Ducks' regional territory can watch games without any financial burden.
The Victory+ platform will provide a free, ad-supported service, making it easier for fans to tune in from a variety of devices, including smart TVs, tablets, and smartphones. The downloadable app is set to become available in September, offering a user-friendly interface for Ducks fans.
Ducks president Aaron Teats emphasized the importance of this strategy, stating, “It is a significant organizational priority to connect Ducks fans with our entire market and for every fan in our region to have the opportunity to watch Ducks games without cost across multiple, accessible platforms.”
Transition from Diamond Sports Group
The Ducks' former broadcaster, Diamond Sports Group, held the rights until the end of the 2023-24 season. However, complications arose as Diamond Sports Group currently navigates bankruptcy proceedings in Texas. Despite these hurdles, Diamond Sports Group is set to carry games for eight NHL teams during the 2024-25 season and has existing agreements with the Los Angeles Angels (MLB) and the LA Clippers (NBA).
As the contract with Diamond Sports Group concluded, the Ducks swiftly moved to ensure continued comprehensive coverage for their fans. This included securing an over-the-air broadcast on Channel 13, guaranteeing that fans in Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Imperial, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties, as well as those in Hawaii, can access Ducks games with ease.
Enhanced Fan Engagement
The Ducks' innovative approach underlines their commitment to fan engagement and accessibility. “We are so pleased to announce that fans in our entire television market, via stream or traditional television (cable or over-the-air) will see locally broadcast games free of charge,” announced Teats. Such dedication to maintaining free access reflects the organization’s strategic priority of connecting with its fanbase on every possible platform.
To ensure continuity in the viewing experience, long-standing broadcast team members Brian Hayward and John Ahlers will remain in their roles, providing expert commentary and insights throughout the season. This continuity is expected to enhance the overall viewing experience, offering familiar and trusted voices to fans.
Partnership with A Parent Media
The Ducks have also teamed up with A Parent Media for this new broadcast arrangement. Jason Walsh, the chief operating officer for A Parent Media, highlighted the Ducks' substantial role in content coordination, noting, “The Ducks are already a significant content coordinator and have a team president with a broadcasting background.” This partnership is anticipated to bring a wealth of experience and innovation to the Ducks’ broadcasting strategy.
Looking Toward the Future
While the Ducks’ new broadcasting model is pioneering, it's not happening in isolation. The Florida Panthers are similarly transitioning their local broadcasts to Scripps Sports, and the Dallas Stars are set to stream their games regionally on Victory+. Such moves indicate a broader trend within the NHL, as teams strive to enhance the accessibility and reach of their game broadcasts.
The Anaheim Ducks' innovative approach to game broadcasts points to a future where sports content is more accessible and engaging than ever. By leveraging both cutting-edge streaming technology and traditional over-the-air broadcasts, the Ducks are setting a new standard for fan engagement in the NHL.
For more information about the Ducks' new broadcast strategy, fans can download the Victory+ app starting in September and stay tuned to Channel 13 for over-the-air games.