Anaheim Ducks Enhance Fan Accessibility with New Broadcasting Strategy
The Anaheim Ducks are set to revolutionize their local game broadcasts, moving to a mix of direct-to-consumer streaming and traditional broadcasts. This strategic shift aims to enhance accessibility for fans across the Ducks' TV market, ensuring that more supporters can catch the action without any barriers.
In a bid to reach a wider audience, 65 of the Ducks' games next season will be broadcast on an over-the-air channel in Los Angeles, with all games available for regional streaming on the Victory+ platform at no cost to viewers. The Victory+ streaming service will be a free, ad-supported platform, boosting accessibility while keeping fans engaged through multiple channels.
"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," affirmed Ducks President Aaron 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."
The change comes following the expiration of the Ducks' contract with their former broadcaster, Diamond Sports Group, at the end of the 2023-24 season. Diamond Sports Group, currently mired in bankruptcy proceedings in Texas, retains broadcasting rights for eight NHL teams for the 2024-25 season and maintains agreements with the Los Angeles Angels (MLB) and the LA Clippers (NBA).
The new broadcasting arrangement will see the Ducks partner with A Parent Media, which boasts a wealth of experience in content coordination and broadcasting. Jason Walsh, the chief operating officer for A Parent Media, highlights the Ducks' existing strength in content management, noting, “The Ducks are already a significant content coordinator and have a team president with a broadcasting background.”
In addition to the over-the-air broadcasts on Channel 13, the Victory+ app will be available for download on smart TVs, tablets, and smartphones starting in September. This multi-platform approach ensures that every fan, regardless of their preferred viewing device, can enjoy the games seamlessly.
The Ducks' regional territory is extensive, covering Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Imperial, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties, as well as Hawaii. This broad coverage underscores the importance of a robust, accessible broadcasting strategy that can cater to a diverse and widespread fan base.
Retaining the familiar voices that fans have grown accustomed to, Brian Hayward and John Ahlers will continue to be an integral part of the Ducks' broadcast team. Their presence ensures continuity and familiarity as fans transition to the new platforms.
This switch to Victory+ streaming places the Ducks alongside the Dallas Stars, who also plan to stream their games regionally on the same platform. Meanwhile, the Florida Panthers are opting for a different approach, partnering with Scripps Sports for their local broadcasts.
The Ducks’ innovative broadcasting strategy is a clear response to the dynamic media landscape, emphasizing accessibility and fan engagement. As Aaron Teats aptly puts it, this move is designed to ensure that “every fan in our region has the opportunity to watch Ducks games without cost across multiple, accessible platforms.”
As the sports broadcasting world continues to evolve, the Anaheim Ducks are taking decisive steps to ensure they remain at the forefront, connecting more deeply with their fan base and providing unparalleled access to their games. Whether through direct-to-consumer streaming or traditional broadcasts, Ducks fans can look forward to a new era of unfettered access to their beloved team's games.