In a strategic move aimed at enhancing fan engagement and accessibility, the Anaheim Ducks are transitioning their local game broadcasts to a combination of direct-to-consumer streaming and local broadcasts. This shift is designed to bring the action closer to fans throughout the Ducks' TV market, providing more opportunities to catch games live.
Expanding Accessibility
Next season, 65 of the Ducks' games will be broadcast on an over-the-air channel in Los Angeles, ensuring that fans in the region can tune in without the need for cable subscriptions. Channel 13 will become a familiar destination for Ducks' supporters eager to follow their team. The Ducks' regional territory covers Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Imperial, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties, in addition to Hawaii, ensuring a broad reach for these broadcasts.
All Ducks games will also be available for streaming regionally on the new Victory+ platform, which will offer a free, ad-supported service. Fans will be able to download the Victory+ app on smart TVs, tablets, and smartphones starting in September, making it convenient to catch the action from virtually anywhere.
"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 Ducks president Aaron Teats. He further emphasized, "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."
A Shift from Diamond Sports Group
Previously, the Ducks' games were broadcast by Diamond Sports Group, a company that has recently been embroiled in bankruptcy proceedings in Texas. The Ducks' contract with Diamond Sports Group concluded at the end of the 2023-24 season, prompting the search for a more stable and accessible broadcasting solution. Post-transition, Diamond Sports Group will continue to carry games for eight NHL teams during the 2024-25 season and maintains agreements with the Los Angeles Angels (MLB) and the LA Clippers (NBA).
The Ducks have partnered with A Parent Media for this new broadcasting arrangement, leveraging the company's expertise to bring a fresh, fan-focused approach to game coverage. Jason Walsh, the chief operating officer for A Parent Media, remarked, "The Ducks are already a significant content coordinator and have a team president with a broadcasting background."
Victory+ and Team Continuity
The introduction of the Victory+ streaming service represents a significant advancement in making sports content freely accessible to fans. Notably, the Dallas Stars also plan to stream their games regionally on Victory+. Meanwhile, the Florida Panthers are shifting their local broadcasts to Scripps Sports, indicating a broader trend of changing broadcast strategies within the NHL.
Despite these changes, the Ducks' broadcast team remains intact, with Brian Hayward and John Ahlers set to continue their roles, ensuring continuity and familiarity for the viewers.
This strategic broadcasting shift aims to enhance fan engagement and accessibility, providing a multi-platform approach that caters to modern viewing habits. As the Anaheim Ducks pave the way with their innovative and inclusive broadcasting strategy, fans can look forward to an exciting season of hockey, available to all at no cost.