The Anaheim Ducks have announced a significant shift in their broadcasting strategy, aiming to increase accessibility for fans across their TV market. The upcoming season will see the Ducks move their local game broadcasts to a blend of direct-to-consumer streaming and traditional local broadcasts.
In an effort to ensure that fans throughout their region can easily follow the team, 65 games next season will be broadcast on an over-the-air channel in Los Angeles. Additionally, all games will be streamed regionally on the Victory+ streaming service, offered at no cost to the viewers. The Victory+ platform will feature a free, ad-supported model, ensuring that the games remain accessible without any direct financial burden on the fans.
Expanding Accessibility
The Ducks' former broadcaster, Diamond Sports Group, saw its contract expire at the end of the 2023-24 season. Compounding the situation, Diamond Sports Group is currently embroiled in bankruptcy proceedings in Texas. This provided the Ducks with an opportunity to reassess and revamp their approach to game broadcasts.
"The Ducks are already a significant content coordinator and have a team president with a broadcasting background," said Jason Walsh, the Chief Operating Officer for A Parent Media, the company the Ducks have partnered with for this new broadcasting arrangement.
The regional territory for the Ducks includes not only parts of Southern California—Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Imperial, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties—but also extends to Hawaii. Ensuring fans in all these regions have access to game broadcasts has been a driving force behind the strategic shift.
A New Era of Engagement
The over-the-air broadcasts will be available on Channel 13, while the Victory+ app will be downloadable on a range of devices, including smart TVs, tablets, and smartphones starting in September. This multi-platform approach aims to provide fans with more flexibility in how they choose to watch the games.
Ducks president Aaron Teats expressed enthusiasm about the new arrangements: "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 sentiment underscores the commitment to making Ducks games accessible to all fans, irrespective of their preferred viewing medium.
"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 further emphasized. This move is seen as a strategic one, designed to enhance fan engagement and ensure that no fan misses out due to financial constraints.
Maintaining Continuity and Tradition
Longtime broadcasters Brian Hayward and John Ahlers will remain part of the Ducks' broadcast team, ensuring that fans continue to enjoy familiar voices and insights during the games. Meanwhile, the Victory+ streaming platform positions the Ducks as a forward-thinking franchise, ready to adapt to the evolving landscape of sports media consumption.
Joining the Ducks in this new era of direct-to-consumer game streaming are the Dallas Stars, who plan to stream their games regionally on Victory+. Meanwhile, the Florida Panthers are moving their local broadcasts to Scripps Sports, highlighting a trend among NHL teams to explore new and innovative ways to reach their fans.
The Road Ahead
Despite the Ducks' alignment with modern broadcasting trends, Diamond Sports Group remains a presence in the NHL, with agreements to carry games for eight NHL teams during the 2024-25 season. The company also maintains agreements with major teams outside of hockey, such as the Los Angeles Angels (MLB) and the LA Clippers (NBA).
The Ducks' bold move to adopt a hybrid model of streaming and traditional broadcasting marks a pivotal moment in their history. By leveraging new technologies and accessible platforms, the Ducks are setting a new standard for how regional sports can be consumed, ensuring no fan is left behind. This strategic shift not only promises to enhance fan engagement but also reaffirms the team's commitment to its dedicated supporters.