Anaheim Ducks Shift to Over-the-Air and Streaming Broadcasts
The Anaheim Ducks are the latest NHL team to adapt to the evolving landscape of sports broadcasting, moving their local game broadcasts from a regional sports network to a combination of direct-to-consumer streaming and local broadcasts. This significant change is designed to increase accessibility for fans throughout the Ducks' TV market.
The Ducks announced that 65 of their games next season will be broadcast on an over-the-air channel in Los Angeles. Additionally, through a multiyear deal with A Parent Media Co. Inc., all games will be streamed regionally on the Victory+ streaming service at no cost to viewers. The Victory+ streaming platform will offer a free, ad-supported service, ensuring that Ducks fans can tune in without any subscription fees.
“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. This confidence in the Ducks' ability to manage and deliver high-quality broadcasts underscores the strategic importance of this shift.
The decision to move away from their former broadcaster, Diamond Sports Group, follows the expiration of the Ducks' contract at the end of the 2023-24 season. Previously, Ducks games were aired on Bally Sports West. Diamond Sports Group is currently entangled in bankruptcy proceedings in Texas, influencing several teams to reconsider their broadcasting agreements.
“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. He emphasized the organization's commitment to making games accessible to every fan in their regional territory, which includes Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Imperial, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties, as well as Hawaii.
The over-the-air broadcasts will be available on Fox 11 Plus (KCOP Channel 13), and the Victory+ app will be downloadable on smart TVs, tablets, and smartphones starting in September. This accessibility is part of a broader trend among NHL teams aiming to broaden their reach and engage with fans across multiple platforms. “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,” added Teats.
The Anaheim Ducks are not alone in this movement. The Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers are moving their local broadcasts to Scripps Sports, while the Dallas Stars plan to stream their games regionally on Victory+. This trend indicates a growing preference for direct-to-consumer streaming and over-the-air broadcasts in the NHL, driven partly by the financial difficulties and restructuring efforts of entities like Diamond Sports Group.
Diamond Sports Group, despite its financial troubles, will still carry games for eight NHL teams during the 2024-25 season, including the Los Angeles Kings. They also have ongoing agreements with Southern California's Los Angeles Angels (MLB) and the NBA's LA Clippers. However, the Ducks' move could prompt other teams to reconsider and potentially follow suit in seeking more stable and accessible broadcast options.
For Ducks fans, familiar voices will continue to anchor the broadcasts. Brian Hayward, the analyst since the franchise began in 1993, and John Ahlers, who has provided play-by-play for the past 22 seasons, will remain integral to the production. Their continued presence will ensure a seamless transition and maintain the sense of continuity cherished by long-time fans.
The Ducks' proactive approach in partnering with A Parent Media and embracing new broadcasting platforms reflects a forward-thinking strategy aimed at enhancing fan engagement and accessibility. As more teams explore similar avenues, the landscape of NHL broadcasting is poised for significant transformation, promising a more inclusive and fan-friendly viewing experience.