Anaheim Ducks Revamp Broadcast Strategy to Boost Fan Accessibility
In a strategic pivot aimed at increasing accessibility and enhancing fan engagement, the Anaheim Ducks are set to revolutionize their local game broadcasts. The team will now leverage a combination of direct-to-consumer streaming and traditional local TV broadcasts, ensuring that fans across their regional territory have multiple ways to enjoy the action without incurring any costs.
Free Stream and Over-The-Air Broadcasts
The Ducks have announced that 65 of their games for the next season will be broadcast on an over-the-air channel in Los Angeles, specifically Channel 13. This channel will be accessible to fans throughout the Ducks' extensive TV market, which includes Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Imperial, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties, as well as Hawaii.
Additionally, all of the Ducks' games will be available for regional streaming on the Victory+ platform, which offers a free, ad-supported service. The Victory+ app, slated for a September release, will be downloadable on smart TVs, tablets, and smartphones. This multifaceted approach will make it easier for fans to catch games regardless of their preferred viewing method.
A Fresh Start with Victory+
The move away from Diamond Sports Group, whose contract expired at the end of the 2023-24 season, marks a significant change. Currently entangled in bankruptcy proceedings in Texas, Diamond Sports Group will continue to carry games for eight NHL teams during the 2024-25 season and has ongoing agreements with the Los Angeles Angels (MLB) and the LA Clippers (NBA).
By shifting to Victory+, the Ducks join the Dallas Stars, who also plan to stream their games regionally on the same platform. This new venture, in partnership with A Parent Media, is expected to streamline the viewing experience and bring games directly to fans without any barriers.
Leadership and Vision
The leadership behind this initiative underscores its importance to the organization's vision. "The Ducks are already a significant content coordinator and have a team president with a broadcasting background," noted Jason Walsh, chief operating officer for A Parent Media. Indeed, Ducks President Aaron Teats has been vocal about the priority to make games accessible to all fans.
"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," Teats said. He emphasized the organizational commitment by adding, "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."
Broadcast Team Continuity
Fans worried about changes to the broadcast team can rest easy knowing that longtime commentators Brian Hayward and John Ahlers will remain part of the Ducks' broadcast lineup. Their familiar voices will continue to provide insightful commentary, ensuring continuity for the viewing experience even as the delivery platform evolves.
A New Era of Accessibility
This new broadcasting arrangement is more than just a shift in platforms—it's a strategic effort to reach a broader audience and eliminate financial and logistical barriers for fans. The free streaming service on Victory+ and the availability of games on Channel 13 will make it easier for fans in remote areas and those without access to cable or satellite services to stay connected with the team.
The broader implications of this move could set a precedent for other sports franchises exploring more inclusive and accessible broadcasting options. With the Florida Panthers also shifting their local broadcasts to Scripps Sports, it will be interesting to see how these changes impact viewership and fan engagement across the NHL.
As the Ducks embark on this new chapter, the focus remains squarely on the fans—bringing the excitement of each game to a wider audience and fostering a stronger community connection. The evolution in broadcasting might just be the catalyst needed to usher in a new era of sports viewership, one where accessibility and engagement are paramount.