Ducks Switch to Boost Fan Accessibility with New Broadcast Strategy
The Anaheim Ducks are making a bold move to expand fan accessibility by shifting their local game broadcasts to a combination of direct-to-consumer streaming and local broadcasts. This strategic change is designed to enhance engagement with supporters across the Ducks' extensive TV market, ensuring that more fans can watch their games without financial barriers.
The Ducks' new arrangement will see 65 of their games next season aired on an over-the-air channel in Los Angeles, specifically Channel 13. Furthermore, all games will be streamed regionally on the Victory+ streaming service, which will be completely free for viewers. This platform offers a free, ad-supported service, eliminating the need for a subscription fee, which can often be a hindrance for many sports enthusiasts.
The Ducks' former broadcasting associate, Diamond Sports Group, recently had their contract expire at the end of the 2023-24 season. Currently mired in bankruptcy proceedings in Texas, Diamond Sports Group's situation presented the Ducks with a timely opportunity to reimagine their broadcast strategy. Notably, Diamond Sports Group will continue to carry games for eight NHL teams during the 2024-25 season and has agreements in place with the Los Angeles Angels (MLB) and the LA Clippers (NBA).
Expanding Reach Across Territories
By transitioning to Victory+ and securing over-the-air broadcasts, the Ducks are ensuring that games are accessible to their fans throughout their regional territory. This coverage includes Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Imperial, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties, as well as Hawaii. The Victory+ app, which will be available for download on smart TVs, tablets, and smartphones starting in September, further extends the reach and convenience for fans across these regions.
“The Ducks are already a significant content coordinator and have a team president with a broadcasting background,” noted Jason Walsh, the chief operating officer for A Parent Media, the company partnering with the Ducks for this new broadcasting approach. This expertise is evidently being leveraged to develop a robust and fan-friendly broadcast solution.
Commitment to Free Viewership
The Ducks are making a firm commitment to free viewership. “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. This move is a clear organizational priority, aiming to connect with the fanbase on a deeper level and ensure that economic barriers do not prevent fans from enjoying their favorite team's games.
This sentiment was echoed further by 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.” Such a strategy not only broadens the Ducks' reach but also strengthens the bond with their supporters by offering versatile and cost-free access to game coverage.
Maintaining Familiar Faces
Despite the shift in broadcasting platforms, the familiar voices of Brian Hayward and John Ahlers will remain as part of the Ducks' broadcast team. Their presence ensures continuity and a familiar touchstone for fans accustomed to their commentary and insights during games.
In a broader context, the Ducks are not alone in re-evaluating and innovating their broadcast strategies. The Florida Panthers are transitioning their local broadcasts to Scripps Sports, while the Dallas Stars are planning to stream their games regionally on Victory+. These moves indicate a wider trend among NHL teams to leverage new media platforms and enhance their accessibility for fans.
This strategic shift signifies a forward-thinking approach by the Ducks, aiming to harness the potential of modern technology to deliver a seamless and cost-free viewing experience to their fanbase. As the Ducks forge ahead with this new broadcast strategy, their efforts to engage and connect with their audience are poised to set a new standard in accessibility and fan interaction in the sports broadcasting landscape.