New Era for Ducks’ Broadcasts: Streaming and Local TV to Enhance Accessibility
In a strategic maneuver to broaden accessibility for their fan base, the Anaheim Ducks are transitioning their local game broadcasts to a hybrid model. This model will combine direct-to-consumer streaming and traditional local broadcasts, ensuring fans throughout the Ducks' TV market can follow their favorite team without incurring additional costs.
Next season, a total of 65 Ducks games will be broadcast on an over-the-air channel, Channel 13, in Los Angeles. This marks a significant shift in the team’s broadcasting strategy after their contract with former broadcaster, Diamond Sports Group, ended with the conclusion of the 2023-24 season. The move comes as Diamond Sports Group navigates through bankruptcy proceedings in Texas.
The Ducks' strategic pivot aims to enhance fan engagement by making the games more accessible. Ducks president Aaron Teats emphasized the organization's commitment to its fan base. “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,” said 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.”
In addition to the local broadcasts, all Ducks games will be streamed regionally on the Victory+ streaming service. This service is particularly noteworthy because it will be free and ad-supported, removing financial barriers for viewers. Victory+ will be accessible via a downloadable app on smart TVs, tablets, and smartphones starting this September, further emphasizing the team's commitment to accessibility and convenience for its fans.
The Ducks’ regional broadcasting territory is extensive, encompassing Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Imperial, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties, as well as Hawaii. This broad coverage area, coupled with the free streaming option, ensures that a wide array of fans will have access to the games.
While the Ducks forge ahead with their new broadcasting model, other NHL teams are also transitioning to new broadcast partnerships. The Florida Panthers have partnered with Scripps Sports for their local broadcasts, and the Dallas Stars are similarly planning to stream their games on Victory+ regionally.
Despite losing the Ducks, Diamond Sports Group remains active in the sports broadcasting scene. The company will continue to carry games for eight NHL teams during the 2024-25 season and has existing agreements with the Los Angeles Angels (MLB) and the LA Clippers (NBA).
Integral to the Ducks' new broadcasting arrangement is their partnership with A Parent Media. Jason Walsh, the chief operating officer for A Parent Media, commented on the Ducks' strong position in the content distribution landscape. “The Ducks are already a significant content coordinator and have a team president with a broadcasting background,” Walsh noted, highlighting the robust infrastructure supporting this transition.
Fans can also look forward to the familiar voices of Brian Hayward and John Ahlers, who will remain part of the Ducks' broadcast team. Their continued presence provides a sense of continuity amidst these changes, ensuring that long-time fans will still hear the commentary they have come to enjoy.
This move by the Ducks underscores a broader trend in sports broadcasting, where teams are increasingly looking to blend traditional and digital platforms to reach a larger audience. For fans, this means more ways to engage with their favorite teams, whether through streaming services or local television broadcasts.