In a strategic move to enhance accessibility and fan engagement, the Anaheim Ducks are transitioning their local game broadcasts to a hybrid model that includes direct-to-consumer streaming and traditional local broadcasts. This initiative aims to increase the reach and accessibility of the team's games to fans throughout their television market.
Starting next season, 65 of the Ducks' games will be broadcast on an over-the-air channel in Los Angeles, while all games will be available for regional streaming on the Victory+ platform at no cost to viewers. The transition marks a significant shift from the Ducks' previous arrangement with Diamond Sports Group, whose contract expired at the end of the 2023-24 season.
"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."
New Streaming Platform: Victory+
Victory+, the new streaming service, will be a free, ad-supported platform ensuring that fans can watch games without any subscription fees. The Victory+ app is set to be downloadable on smart TVs, tablets, and smartphones starting in September, thus broadening the availability of game broadcasts.
This change comes against the backdrop of Diamond Sports Group's ongoing bankruptcy proceedings in Texas. Despite the challenges faced by Diamond Sports Group, it will still carry games for eight NHL teams during the 2024-25 season and maintains agreements with major sports franchises such as the Los Angeles Angels (MLB) and the LA Clippers (NBA).
Expanding Regional Coverage
The Ducks' regional territory is extensive, covering Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Imperial, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties, as well as Hawaii. The over-the-air broadcasts set to be available on Channel 13 will significantly bolster the team's reach within this expansive region.
Jason Walsh, the chief operating officer for A Parent Media, emphasized the strategic importance of this move. "The Ducks are already a significant content coordinator and have a team president with a broadcasting background," he noted. The partnership with A Parent Media is expected to streamline the process and ensure high-quality broadcasts for fans.
Maintained Broadcast Team
Fans will be pleased to know that the familiar voices of Brian Hayward and John Ahlers will remain part of the Ducks' broadcast team, providing continuity and expertise to the new broadcasting arrangement. Their continued presence ensures that fans will enjoy the same high standards of commentary and analysis they have come to expect over the years.
Industry-Wide Shifts
The Ducks' move is part of a broader trend within the NHL, as teams explore new ways to engage fans amid changing media landscapes. For instance, the Florida Panthers are shifting their local broadcasts to Scripps Sports, while the Dallas Stars also plan to stream their games regionally on Victory+.
This move signifies how teams are adapting to technological advancements and the evolving consumption habits of sports fans. By offering both traditional and modern viewing options, the Ducks are positioning themselves at the forefront of this transition, ensuring that no fan is left behind.
Aaron Teats highlighted the overarching goal of these changes: "The Ducks are committed to making our games as accessible as possible for all of our fans. This new broadcasting strategy is a direct response to what our fans have been asking for."
As the Ducks usher in this new era of game broadcasts, it’s clear that their commitment to accessibility and fan engagement is stronger than ever. With the combined power of Victory+ streaming and over-the-air television, fans across their vast regional territory can look forward to an unprecedented level of access to their favorite team's games, all at no cost.