In a significant move aimed at boosting accessibility and fan engagement, the Anaheim Ducks have announced a new broadcasting strategy for the upcoming season, shifting from their former broadcaster Diamond Sports Group to a combination of direct-to-consumer streaming and local broadcasts.
A New Era in Broadcasting
The Ducks are set to make their games more widely accessible through a strategic partnership with A Parent Media. A key component of this new approach is the Victory+ streaming service, which will offer ad-supported, regionally streamed games at no cost to viewers. Additionally, 65 of the Ducks' games will be broadcast on an over-the-air channel in Los Angeles, specifically Channel 13, ensuring that fans throughout the Ducks' expansive TV market, which includes counties from Orange to Ventura and even Hawaii, can easily tune in.
Ducks President Aaron Teats expressed his enthusiasm about the new arrangement, emphasizing the importance of accessibility for fans. “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,” Teats said.
Enhanced Accessibility and Fan Engagement
This shift is part of a broader organizational priority to connect with Ducks fans across the region. Teats highlighted, “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.”
Fans will be able to access the Victory+ app on various devices, including smart TVs, tablets, and smartphones, starting in September. This flexibility ensures that whether fans are at home or on the go, they won’t miss a minute of the action.
Continuity Amidst Change
While the broadcasting medium is changing, fans will be reassured to know that familiar voices will remain. Brian Hayward and John Ahlers will continue as part of the Ducks’ broadcast team, providing continuity and their well-regarded commentary.
Jason Walsh, the chief operating officer for A Parent Media, praised the Ducks' proactive stance in enhancing content accessibility. “The Ducks are already a significant content coordinator and have a team president with a broadcasting background,” Walsh noted, underscoring the Ducks' strategic foresight in embracing this new model.
A Broader Context
This move by the Ducks comes as Diamond Sports Group, their former broadcaster, navigates bankruptcy proceedings in Texas. The Ducks’ contract with Diamond Sports Group expired at the end of the 2023-24 season, prompting the team to seek out new broadcasting solutions.
The Ducks are not alone in leveraging innovative broadcasting strategies. The Florida Panthers have shifted their local broadcasts to Scripps Sports, while the Dallas Stars also plan to stream their games regionally on the Victory+ platform.
Despite these regional adjustments, Diamond Sports Group continues to maintain agreements with other major sports entities, including the Los Angeles Angels (MLB) and the LA Clippers (NBA), and will carry games for eight NHL teams during the 2024-25 season.
Conclusion
As the Anaheim Ducks embark on this new chapter in broadcasting, the primary goal remains clear: to enhance fan engagement and accessibility. Through free, ad-supported regional streaming on the Victory+ platform and extensive over-the-air broadcasts, the Ducks are ensuring that their games are more accessible than ever before. This strategic shift, supported by robust partnerships and a commitment to keeping fans connected, promises to set a new standard in sports broadcasting.