The Anaheim Ducks have announced a pivotal shift in the way their fans will experience local game broadcasts, moving towards a combination of direct-to-consumer streaming and traditional broadcasts. This strategic move aims to significantly enhance accessibility for fans across the Ducks' extensive TV market.
Starting next season, 65 of the Ducks' games will be broadcast on an over-the-air channel in Los Angeles. This decision comes alongside the introduction of the Victory+ streaming service, which will stream all games regionally at no cost to viewers. Victory+ is designed as a free, ad-supported platform, ensuring that fans won't need to dip into their pockets to catch the action.
According to Ducks president Aaron Teats, "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 shift away from Diamond Sports Group, which had been the Ducks' former broadcaster, marks a significant transition for the team. The contract with Diamond Sports Group expired at the end of the 2023-24 season, and the broadcaster is currently embroiled in bankruptcy proceedings in Texas. Diamond Sports Group will still carry games for eight NHL teams during the 2024-25 season and holds agreements with the Los Angeles Angels (MLB) and the LA Clippers (NBA).
Boosting Accessibility
The Ducks' decision to augment accessibility for their fans is evident. Their regional territory spans an extensive area, including Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Imperial, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties, as well as Hawaii. To cater to this wide audience, the over-the-air broadcasts will be available on Channel 13.
The Victory+ app, another facet of this plan, will be downloadable on smart TVs, tablets, and smartphones starting in September. This move ensures that fans can seamlessly tune into games from the comfort of their chosen devices, without the hassle of additional costs or complex setups.
"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. This emphasis on widespread, cost-free access underlines the Ducks’ commitment to their fanbase.
Complementing Regional Moves
The Ducks are not alone in this strategic shift. The Florida Panthers are transitioning their local broadcasts to Scripps Sports, while the Dallas Stars are planning to stream their games regionally on Victory+. This marks a growing trend of teams moving towards more fan-friendly broadcasting options, likely fueled by both market pressures and technological advancements.
Broadcast Team and Partnerships
Despite the changes in broadcasting platforms, fans can expect familiar faces behind the microphone. Brian Hayward and John Ahlers will remain as part of the Ducks' broadcast team, providing continuity and possibly a sense of comfort amidst these changes.
The Ducks have partnered with A Parent Media for this new broadcasting arrangement. Jason Walsh, the chief operating officer for A Parent Media, noted, “The Ducks are already a significant content coordinator and have a team president with a broadcasting background.”
This collaboration points to a carefully thought-out strategy aimed at enhancing fan engagement and accessibility. The end goal appears to be a more integrated and user-friendly experience for Ducks fans, achieving a balance between traditional viewing setups and modern streaming solutions.
As the Ducks embark on this new broadcasting adventure, it'll be interesting to see how the fanbase responds and how other teams might follow suit in reshaping the sports broadcasting landscape.