The Anaheim Ducks are reinventing the way fans will experience their local game broadcasts. For the upcoming season, they are shifting to a mixed model of direct-to-consumer streaming and local broadcasts aimed at increasing accessibility for their extensive fanbase. This strategic move is significant, as it provides wider reach and cost-free viewing options, beginning a new chapter in sports broadcasting for the team.
New Broadcasting Landscape
Starting next season, 65 of the Ducks' games will be broadcast on an over-the-air channel in Los Angeles, specifically Channel 13. This shift aims to deliver uninterrupted access to fans across their television market. A major highlight is that all games will also be streamed regionally on the Victory+ streaming service, offered at no cost to viewers. This service will be ad-supported, ensuring that all fans, regardless of how they choose to watch, have free access to the games.
The evolution in broadcasting comes at the end of the Ducks’ contract with Diamond Sports Group, which expired at the conclusion of the 2023-24 season. Diamond Sports Group, formerly entangled in bankruptcy proceedings in Texas, carried the broadcasts previously. Transitioning to a fresh model reflects a forward-thinking approach by the Ducks, rooted in enhancing fan engagement and accessibility.
Accessibility and Fan Engagement
Ducks president Aaron Teats emphasized the importance of making games accessible to every fan in the region. "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," stated Teats. He continued, "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." This sentiment underscores the team's commitment to its fanbase and the strategic importance of increased accessibility.
Fans located in Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Imperial, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties, as well as Hawaii, stand to benefit from the new broadcasting strategy. This broad regional territory underscores the Ducks’ drive to bring their games to as many viewers as possible. The Victory+ app, which will be downloadable on smart TVs, tablets, and smartphones starting in September, further encapsulates this goal by providing convenient access to game streams on various devices.
Maintaining Continuity and Excellence
Despite the changes in broadcasting platforms, fans can expect continuity in the quality of the broadcasts. Brian Hayward and John Ahlers will remain integral parts of the Ducks' broadcast team, ensuring that the expert commentary and insight that fans have come to appreciate will continue.
The Ducks have partnered with A Parent Media for this new arrangement. Jason Walsh, the chief operating officer for A Parent Media, remarked, "The Ducks are already a significant content coordinator and have a team president with a broadcasting background." This partnership combines the expertise of both organizations to deliver high-quality broadcasts and streaming services for Ducks fans.
Beyond the Ducks: Trends in NHL Broadcasting
The Ducks are not the only NHL team adapting to new broadcasting methods. The Florida Panthers are moving their local broadcasts to Scripps Sports, while the Dallas Stars plan to stream their games regionally on Victory+. These moves are part of a broader trend within the league as teams seek innovative solutions to deliver content to their fanbases more effectively. Meanwhile, Diamond Sports Group still holds agreements to carry games for eight NHL teams during the 2024-25 season and maintains contracts with the Los Angeles Angels (MLB) and the LA Clippers (NBA).
The Ducks' strategic shift to a mixed-model broadcasting approach is a clear indicator of how sports teams are evolving to meet the consumption preferences of modern audiences. It reflects a commitment to leveraging technology to enhance viewer experiences and ensure that fans remain connected to their favorite teams, free of charge and across multiple platforms.