Anaheim Ducks Transition to Direct-to-Consumer Streaming and Local Broadcasts
In a strategic move designed to enhance fan engagement and accessibility, the Anaheim Ducks are shifting their local game broadcasts to a combination of direct-to-consumer streaming and local broadcasts. This transition marks the end of their association with Diamond Sports Group, whose contract with the team expired at the end of the 2023-24 season.
Diamond Sports Group is presently embroiled in bankruptcy proceedings in Texas, accentuating the Ducks’ timely pivot to a new broadcasting arrangement. Fans throughout the Ducks' sprawling TV market will now have greater access to the games, which will be available through multiple platforms at no cost to viewers.
Over-the-Air and Digital Streaming Collaboration
Starting next season, 65 of the Ducks' games will be broadcast on Channel 13, an over-the-air channel based in Los Angeles. Complementing these broadcasts, all games will also be regionally streamed on the Victory+ streaming service, which will be freely accessible and ad-supported.
Aaron Teats, the president of the Ducks, expressed his excitement about the initiative: “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 emphasized the importance of this move as part of the team's broader strategy to connect with their entire market, ensuring every fan has the opportunity to watch Ducks games without cost across various accessible platforms.
Victory+ Platform Details
The Victory+ app will become available for download on smart TVs, tablets, and smartphones starting in September. This platform will provide fans in the Ducks’ regional territory, which includes Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Imperial, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties, as well as Hawaii, with seamless access to live game streams.
Jason Walsh, the chief operating officer for A Parent Media, the Ducks’ partner in this new broadcasting arrangement, highlighted the team's proactive approach: “The Ducks are already a significant content coordinator and have a team president with a broadcasting background,” Walsh noted, pointing out that the organization is well-equipped to manage this new direction.
Longevity and Familiar Faces
Fans can also look forward to the familiar voices of Brian Hayward and John Ahlers, who will remain as part of the Ducks' broadcast team throughout this transition. This consistency is aimed at maintaining high-quality commentary and analysis that Ducks fans have come to appreciate.
Broader Industry Trends
The Ducks are not alone in revamping their broadcast strategies. The Florida Panthers have recently moved their local broadcasts to Scripps Sports, while the Dallas Stars are planning to stream their games regionally on Victory+. Despite losing the Ducks' contract, Diamond Sports Group will still carry games for eight NHL teams during the 2024-25 season and holds agreements with the Los Angeles Angels (MLB) and the LA Clippers (NBA).
Fan-Centric Approach
The overarching goal of these strategic changes is clear: enhancing fan engagement and making it easier for fans to follow their favorite teams. As Aaron Teats reiterated, “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.”
Overall, this landmark shift represents a broader trend within professional sports broadcasting, emphasizing flexibility, accessibility, and free content delivery. Whether through an over-the-air channel or a streamlined, ad-supported digital service, Ducks fans are set to benefit from one of the most inclusive and accessible broadcasting arrangements in the NHL.