The Anaheim Ducks Make Major Broadcast Shift to Enhance Accessibility for Fans
In a significant move aimed at enhancing fan engagement and accessibility, the Anaheim Ducks are shifting their local game broadcasts to a mix of direct-to-consumer streaming and traditional local broadcasts. This strategic realignment is set to make it easier for fans across the Ducks' extensive TV market to catch games, either through streaming or over-the-air channels.
Starting next season, 65 of the Ducks' games will be broadcast on an over-the-air channel in Los Angeles, specifically Channel 13. This will ensure a broader audience can access the games without the need for a cable subscription. Additionally, all games will be streamed regionally on the new Victory+ streaming service, which promises to be a game-changer for fans looking for convenience and cost-free access.
The Victory+ streaming platform will be downloadable on smart TVs, tablets, and smartphones come September and will operate as a free, ad-supported service. This innovative approach not only provides more viewing options but does so at no cost to the viewer, a bold step that Aaron Teats, the Ducks president, emphasized as crucial: “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.”
The Ducks' previous broadcaster, Diamond Sports Group, found itself embroiled in bankruptcy proceedings in Texas, leading to the expiration of its contract with the Ducks at the end of the 2023-24 season. This presented an opportune moment for the Ducks to revamp their broadcasting strategy, ensuring a more stable and accessible solution for their devoted fanbase.
Teats reiterated the organization's commitment to enhancing fan access: "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.”
The regional territory covered by the Ducks encompasses a vast area, including Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Imperial, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties, as well as Hawaii. This expansive reach highlights the importance of the new broadcasting arrangement in ensuring that fans from these regions can easily follow the team.
Brian Hayward and John Ahlers, familiar voices to Ducks fans, will continue to be part of the broadcast team, ensuring continuity and a seamless experience for viewers. The Ducks have also partnered with A Parent Media to facilitate this new broadcasting arrangement. Jason Walsh, the chief operating officer for A Parent Media, noted the Ducks' preparedness for this transition: “The Ducks are already a significant content coordinator and have a team president with a broadcasting background.”
This move not only aligns with the Ducks' objectives but also with broader trends in sports broadcasting. The Florida Panthers are also shifting their local broadcasts to Scripps Sports, while the Dallas Stars plan to stream their games regionally on Victory+, underscoring a growing tendency towards more flexible and accessible viewing options in the sports industry.
Despite Diamond Sports Group still holding agreements to carry games for eight NHL teams during the 2024-25 season, as well as contracts with the Los Angeles Angels (MLB) and the LA Clippers (NBA), the Ducks' departure marks a notable shift. By moving to an ad-supported, direct-to-consumer streaming service and maintaining over-the-air broadcasts, the Ducks are setting a precedent that could influence how other teams approach their broadcast strategies in the future.
Overall, this strategic shift by the Anaheim Ducks is not just about changing partners but about expanding their reach and ensuring that every fan, irrespective of their cable subscription status, can enjoy watching their favorite team. As the landscape of sports broadcasting continues to evolve, the Ducks are positioning themselves at the forefront of this transformation, dedicated to enhancing the viewing experience for their fans.