The Anaheim Ducks are set to transform their local game broadcasts, transitioning to a combination of direct-to-consumer streaming and traditional local broadcasts. This strategic shift aims to enhance fan engagement and increase accessibility for supporters throughout the Ducks' extensive TV market.
A New Era of Accessibility
Next season, 65 of the Ducks' games will be broadcast on an over-the-air channel in Los Angeles, making the team more accessible to its local fanbase. Additionally, all games will be streamed regionally on the Victory+ streaming service, offered at no cost to viewers. The Victory+ platform will operate as a free, ad-supported service, ensuring that fans across the Ducks' regional territory, including Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Imperial, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties as well as Hawaii, can catch their favorite team's action without any financial barrier.
Ducks president Aaron Teats expressed his enthusiasm for the new arrangement, stating, “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.” He emphasized the organizational priority to connect with Ducks fans throughout their market. “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,” Teats affirmed.
Partnership with A Parent Media
This broadcasting pivot comes after the expiration of the Ducks' contract with their former broadcaster, Diamond Sports Group. Diamond Sports Group, currently embroiled in bankruptcy proceedings in Texas, carried the Ducks' broadcasts up until the end of the 2023-24 season. The Ducks have now partnered with A Parent Media for this new broadcasting arrangement. Jason Walsh, the chief operating officer for A Parent Media, highlighted the Ducks' content coordination prowess and the team's leadership strength. “The Ducks are already a significant content coordinator and have a team president with a broadcasting background,” Walsh stated.
With this new partnership, fans can expect seamless access to Ducks games through the Victory+ app, which will be downloadable on smart TVs, tablets, and smartphones starting in September. Additionally, over-the-air broadcasts will be conveniently available on Channel 13.
Continuity and Commitment
Brian Hayward and John Ahlers, familiar faces and voices for Ducks fans, will remain as part of the Ducks' broadcast team, ensuring continuity and maintaining the quality of game commentary and analysis that fans have come to expect.
The shift to Victory+ and over-the-air broadcasts reflects a broader trend in sports broadcasting, where accessibility and user experience are becoming paramount. The Florida Panthers, for instance, are also moving their local broadcasts to Scripps Sports, and the Dallas Stars plan to stream their games regionally on Victory+. Even with Diamond Sports Group continuing to carry games for eight NHL teams during the 2024-25 season, the landscape of sports broadcasting is clearly evolving.
Forward-Thinking Strategy
This strategic shift by the Ducks signifies a forward-thinking approach to fan engagement, reflecting a dedication to leveraging modern technology to bridge the gap between the team and its regional supporters. The inclusion of ad-supported, cost-free streaming on Victory+ will undoubtedly enhance the viewing experience for many fans who might have been limited by traditional cable subscriptions.
As the sports broadcasting world continues to evolve, the Ducks' initiative will likely serve as a model for other teams looking to maximize accessibility and fan engagement. The move harmonizes with the broader league trends, ensuring that loyal fans can stay connected to the action, irrespective of their preferred viewing platform.
In conclusion, the Anaheim Ducks' bold move to enhance accessibility and engage with their expansive fanbase through innovative broadcasting solutions reaffirms their commitment to their supporters. By blending traditional and modern broadcasting methods, the Ducks are ensuring that no fan is left out of the excitement, heralding a new era of inclusive, easily accessible sports entertainment.