The Anaheim Ducks are shaking up the landscape of local sports broadcasting with a bold new move designed to make their games more accessible to fans. By transitioning to a combination of direct-to-consumer streaming and traditional local broadcasts, the Ducks are setting the stage for a new era of fan engagement.
The change comes after the expiration of their contract with Diamond Sports Group, which had been their broadcaster until the end of the 2023-24 season. Diamond Sports Group is currently embroiled in bankruptcy proceedings in Texas, making the Ducks' decision to pivot a timely one.
Enhanced Accessibility for Fans
The Ducks have announced that 65 of their games next season will be broadcast on an over-the-air channel in Los Angeles, specifically Channel 13. This move ensures that fans without cable or streaming subscriptions can still catch the action. Additionally, all games will be available on the Victory+ streaming service, which will be free and ad-supported, removing any financial barriers for viewers.
Victory+, a platform that will be accessible on smart TVs, tablets, and smartphones starting in September, offers a user-friendly way for fans to follow their favorite team. According to Aaron Teats, president of the Ducks, "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." This strategic shift is clearly aimed at fostering greater fan participation and viewership across multiple platforms.
Keeping the Broadcast Team Intact
Fans of the Ducks will be happy to know that the familiar voices of Brian Hayward and John Ahlers will remain as part of the broadcast team. This continuity is part of the Ducks' broader strategy to maintain a connection with their loyal fan base while expanding access to a wider audience.
Regional Coverage
The Ducks' regional television territory includes Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Imperial, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties in California, as well as Hawaii. By making the broadcasts available over-the-air and online, the team aims to cover this extensive area more effectively. "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," emphasized Teats.
Partnership and Industry Shifts
To facilitate this transition, the Ducks have partnered with A Parent Media, a company with substantial experience in the broadcasting industry. 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,” underscoring the team's capability to manage such a significant operational shift.
This move by the Ducks is part of a larger trend within the NHL. The Florida Panthers are also shifting their local broadcasts to Scripps Sports, and the Dallas Stars plan to stream their games regionally on Victory+. Despite these changes, Diamond Sports Group will continue to carry games for eight NHL teams during the 2024-25 season, signaling a period of transition and experimentation for the league.
A Future-Oriented Approach
The Ducks' decision to embrace both streaming and traditional television represents a forward-thinking approach designed to cater to the evolving preferences of modern sports fans. As technology continues to advance, the ability to offer flexible viewing options will likely become increasingly important for sports franchises. The Ducks are positioning themselves at the forefront of this trend, leveraging their professional broadcasting expertise and strategic partnerships to ensure their fans remain engaged and connected, no matter how they choose to watch the game.
By offering games for free and making them accessible on a variety of platforms, the Ducks are ensuring that their entire fan base, scattered across Southern California and even reaching Hawaii, can continue to support the team without facing any financial or technological hurdles. This move is set to enhance fan loyalty and broaden the team's reach, setting a new standard for accessibility in sports broadcasting.