The Anaheim Ducks are poised to revolutionize the way their fans consume local game broadcasts by shifting to a blend of direct-to-consumer streaming and local broadcasts. This strategic move aims to amplify accessibility for Ducks supporters across the team's TV market, enabling a broader reach and engaging experience.
Starting next season, 65 of the Ducks' games will grace an over-the-air channel in Los Angeles, specifically Channel 13. Complementing this, every game will also be available regionally on the Victory+ streaming service, which comes at no cost to viewers. Victory+ will provide a free, ad-supported service, ensuring fans can cheer on their team across various devices, including smart TVs, tablets, and smartphones, starting from September.
Brian Hayward and John Ahlers, familiar faces to Ducks fans, will continue their roles as part of the broadcast team. Their presence promises to maintain continuity and quality in the viewing experience.
According to Ducks president Aaron Teats, the primary objective behind this broadcasting overhaul is to foster a deeper connection with the fanbase. “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,” remarked 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.”
The Ducks' contract with their former broadcaster, Diamond Sports Group, concluded at the end of the 2023-24 season. Diamond Sports Group, currently mired in bankruptcy proceedings in Texas, retains game-carrying agreements with eight NHL teams for the 2024-25 season and partnerships with the Los Angeles Angels (MLB) and the LA Clippers (NBA).
The Ducks' new broadcasting arrangement is in collaboration with A Parent Media, a partnership that seems promising given the organization’s track record. “The Ducks are already a significant content coordinator and have a team president with a broadcasting background,” highlighted Jason Walsh, the chief operating officer for A Parent Media. This synergy fortifies the Ducks' pledge to enhance fan engagement and accessibility.
The regional territory for the Ducks encompasses Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Imperial, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties, along with Hawaii. This extensive coverage zone underscores the importance of the new broadcast strategy in reaching and uniting a diverse fanbase.
The Anaheim Ducks are not alone in this innovative approach within the NHL. The Florida Panthers are transitioning their local broadcasts to Scripps Sports, and the Dallas Stars plan to also stream their games regionally on Victory+. It signifies a growing trend among NHL teams aiming to leverage modern streaming technologies to cater to a technologically savvy audience.
As the Ducks embark on this new broadcasting chapter, the commitment to delivering accessible and engaging content is evident. The combination of over-the-air and streaming broadcasts is set to create an inclusive and immersive viewing experience, ensuring that fervent fans remain closely connected to their team, no matter where they are in the region.