The Anaheim Ducks have announced a significant shift in how fans will experience their local game broadcasts, transitioning to a combination of direct-to-consumer streaming and traditional local broadcasts.
This strategic move aims to enhance accessibility for Ducks fans throughout their TV market. In an effort to reach as many viewers as possible, 65 of the team's games next season will be broadcast on an over-the-air channel in Los Angeles, Channel 13. Furthermore, all games will be streamed regionally on the Victory+ streaming service free of charge to viewers, which will be a free, ad-supported service.
In a statement, Ducks president Aaron Teats expressed his enthusiasm for the new approach. “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,” he said. “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 shift comes as the Ducks’ contract with their former broadcaster, Diamond Sports Group, expired at the end of the 2023-24 season. The timing of this transition appears particularly fortuitous, given that Diamond Sports Group is currently embroiled in bankruptcy proceedings in Texas. Despite this, Diamond Sports Group will continue carrying 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).
Expanded Reach Across Regional Territory
The Ducks' regional broadcast territory is expansive, covering Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Imperial, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties, as well as Hawaii. The comprehensive coverage offered by both the over-the-air broadcasts on Channel 13 and the Victory+ streaming platform means that fans across this broad region will have ample opportunity to catch every game live.
The Victory+ app, available for download on smart TVs, tablets, and smartphones starting in September, represents a significant step forward in making the games more accessible. This move is in line with the Ducks' commitment to leveraging modern technology to facilitate fan engagement. It also underscores the importance of providing versatile viewing options for fans who increasingly consume content on mobile devices.
Maintaining a Familiar Broadcasting Team
Importantly, long-time broadcasters Brian Hayward and John Ahlers will remain as part of the Ducks' broadcast team. Their continued presence ensures that fans will hear familiar voices that have become synonymous with Ducks hockey, further maintaining a sense of continuity amidst the changes.
Jason Walsh, the chief operating officer for A Parent Media, the company partnering with the Ducks for the new broadcasting arrangement, highlighted the team's strong content production capabilities: “The Ducks are already a significant content coordinator and have a team president with a broadcasting background.” This collaboration is expected to benefit both the Ducks and their fans, with a focus on delivering high-quality, engaging content.
The move to Victory+ is part of a broader trend in the NHL, with other teams like the Florida Panthers and the Dallas Stars also shifting their local broadcasts to new platforms. The Panthers plan to move to Scripps Sports, while the Stars will join the Ducks in streaming their games regionally on Victory+.
A New Era in Broadcasting
This shift represents more than just a change in how games are broadcast; it reflects a broader evolution in sports media consumption. As fans increasingly turn to streaming services over traditional cable, teams are finding innovative ways to meet them where they are. The Ducks' new approach not only keeps pace with these trends but also places a premium on accessibility and fan engagement.
In conclusion, the Anaheim Ducks are ushering in a new era of how fans will experience their games. With free regional streaming on Victory+, broad over-the-air coverage on Channel 13, and a renewed commitment to engaging with their fanbase, the Ducks are setting a new standard in sports broadcasting.