The Anaheim Ducks are set to revolutionize their game broadcasts for the coming season, shifting from traditional cable networks to a modern hybrid of direct-to-consumer streaming and local over-the-air broadcasts. This strategic move aims to significantly boost accessibility for fans across the Ducks' television market.
The Ducks will broadcast 65 of their games next season on an over-the-air channel, specifically Channel 13 in Los Angeles. In addition to these broadcasts, all games will be available for regional streaming on the Victory+ streaming service, which will be free of charge for viewers. The Victory+ platform, offering a free, ad-supported service, will be downloadable on smart TVs, tablets, and smartphones starting in September, ensuring fans can watch the games on a variety of devices.
The transition marks the end of the Ducks’ contract with Diamond Sports Group, their former broadcaster, which expired at the end of the 2023-24 season. Diamond Sports Group is currently embroiled in bankruptcy proceedings in Texas, complicating ongoing sports broadcast arrangements.
The Ducks' revitalized broadcasting approach is designed to enhance 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," said 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."
Extensive Regional Coverage
The Ducks’ regional territory extends beyond Orange County to include Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Imperial, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties, as well as Hawaii. This coverage ensures a vast geographical area of fans can enjoy the games without the barriers of expensive subscriptions or limited cable access.
According to Jason Walsh, the chief operating officer for A Parent Media, the Ducks are well-positioned to succeed with this new broadcasting model. “The Ducks are already a significant content coordinator and have a team president with a broadcasting background,” Walsh remarked, expressing confidence in the team’s ability to manage the transition smoothly.
Partnerships and Future Plans
In addition to their partnership with A Parent Media, the Ducks are collaborating with Brian Hayward and John Ahlers, who will remain integral parts of the broadcast team. This continuity ensures that fans will still hear familiar voices bringing them the play-by-play and color commentary they have come to expect.
The shift does not just benefit the Anaheim Ducks; other NHL teams are also adjusting their broadcasting strategies. For example, the Florida Panthers are moving their local broadcasts to Scripps Sports, while the Dallas Stars plan to stream their games regionally on Victory+. Despite Diamond Sports Group’s financial troubles, it will carry games for eight NHL teams during the 2024-25 season and maintains agreements with the Los Angeles Angels (MLB) and the LA Clippers (NBA).
A New Era in Sports Broadcasting
The Ducks’ decision to embrace a direct-to-consumer model signifies a broader trend in sports broadcasting, where accessibility and fan engagement are paramount. The Victory+ streaming service, with its free, ad-supported model, presents an innovative solution to the rising costs of sports broadcasting and the shifting preferences of viewers towards digital platforms.
In conclusion, the Anaheim Ducks are demonstrating a forward-thinking approach by leveraging modern technology to ensure their games are accessible to all fans across their expansive regional market. With this new chapter, the Ducks are not only ensuring the growth of their fanbase but also setting the stage for other teams to consider similar transitions in an evolving media landscape.