The Anaheim Ducks, in a significant move aimed at increasing accessibility for their fanbase, are transitioning their local game broadcasts to a blend of direct-to-consumer streaming and traditional local broadcasts. This strategic shift is designed to ensure that Ducks fans throughout the team's extensive TV market have free access to the games.
Starting next season, 65 of the Ducks' games will be aired on an over-the-air channel in Los Angeles, providing a broad and easily accessible option for viewers. Further enhancing this accessibility, all games will also be streamed regionally on the Victory+ streaming service at no cost to viewers. The Victory+ platform will be a free, ad-supported service, making it a highly appealing option for fans looking to follow their team without incurring additional expenses.
“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 Ducks president Aaron Teats. “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.”
Expanding Accessibility
The decision to partner with A Parent Media for the new broadcasting arrangement reflects the Ducks' commitment to leveraging modern technology to enhance fan engagement. Victory+ will be available on smart TVs, tablets, and smartphones starting in September, making it easier than ever for fans to access live games anywhere within the Ducks' regional territory, which includes counties such as Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Diego, among others, as well as Hawaii.
The move to Victory+ marks a departure from the Ducks' previous broadcasting arrangement with Diamond Sports Group, whose contract expired at the end of the 2023-24 season. Diamond Sports Group, currently embroiled in bankruptcy proceedings in Texas, will still carry games for eight NHL teams during the 2024-25 season and has existing agreements with other major sports franchises, including the Los Angeles Angels and the LA Clippers.
New Beginnings and Familiar Voices
Despite this significant shift, fans can expect a sense of continuity in the broadcast booth. Brian Hayward and John Ahlers will remain part of the Ducks' broadcast team, bringing their seasoned commentary and familiar voices to the new platforms.
Jason Walsh, the chief operating officer for A Parent Media, noted, “The Ducks are already a significant content coordinator and have a team president with a broadcasting background.” This expertise ensures the transition will be handled with the professionalism and attention to quality that Ducks fans have come to expect.
The strategic broadcasting changes come at a time when several other NHL teams are also re-evaluating their local broadcast arrangements. 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 reflect a broader trend within the NHL and sports broadcasting in general, where teams are increasingly looking to direct-to-consumer platforms to reach wider audiences.
A Broader Reach
The over-the-air broadcasts on Channel 13 will further ensure that fans without access to cable or streaming services can still enjoy the games, thus broadening the Ducks' viewer base. This dual approach of combining over-the-air broadcasts with a robust streaming option on Victory+ is expected to significantly enhance the reach and engagement of the Ducks' fanbase.
As the Anaheim Ducks prepare for the upcoming season, the organization’s commitment to making their games more accessible than ever before is clear. By offering free access across multiple platforms, the Ducks are not only catering to the needs of their current fans but are also setting the stage for attracting new viewers who might have previously found it challenging to follow the games.
This strategic shift underscores the Ducks' dedication to boosting fan engagement and ensuring that their games are within reach for every fan in their extensive regional territory. As the new season approaches, Ducks fans have much to look forward to, from seamless access to games to the continued high-quality commentary from their favorite broadcasters.
In the dynamic landscape of sports broadcasting, the Anaheim Ducks are making a bold statement about the future of how fans can enjoy and engage with their favorite team. This move is poised to set a new standard for accessibility and fan-centric decision-making in the NHL.