The Anaheim Ducks recently made a significant change in their broadcasting strategies by moving their local game broadcasts from a regional sports network to a combination of direct to consumer streaming and local broadcasts. This shift was announced by the Ducks, revealing that 65 games next season will be broadcasted on an over-the-air channel in Los Angeles. In addition, the Ducks have entered into a multiyear deal with A Parent Media Co. Inc. to stream all games free of charge regionally on the Victory+ streaming service. This decision came after the expiration of Anaheim’s contract with Diamond Sports Group at the end of the 2023-24 season, where games had previously aired on Bally Sports West.
“The Ducks are already a significant content coordinator and have a team president with a broadcasting background,” said Jason Walsh, the chief operating officer for A Parent Media. This move by the Ducks comes at a time when several other NHL teams are also restructuring their broadcast models. Notably, the Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers and the Dallas Stars have made similar changes to their local broadcasts, showing a trend towards adapting to the evolving media landscape.
Ducks president Aaron Teats emphasized the importance of connecting with Ducks fans across various platforms. He stated, “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.” By offering games on both traditional television channels and streaming services, the Ducks are aiming to enhance the overall fan experience and make it more convenient for supporters to follow the team.
Broadcast Details
The over-the-air games will be broadcasted on Fox 11 Plus (KCOP Channel 13) in Los Angeles. While the announcers for the broadcasts have not been officially announced, it is expected that the current broadcast team will remain intact. Brian Hayward has been the analyst for the Ducks since the franchise’s inception in 1993, and John Ahlers has been the play-by-play announcer for 22 seasons. The Victory+ streaming app is set to be launched in September, enabling Ducks fans in the regional territory to watch games on various devices such as smart TVs, tablets, and smartphones. Furthermore, the streaming service will be offered for free, supported by advertisements.
The decision to transition from Diamond Sports Group to A Parent Media Co. Inc. for broadcasting reflects the financial challenges faced by the former. Diamond Sports Group, the distributor of networks under the Bally name, has been undergoing bankruptcy proceedings in Texas since last March. Despite this, Diamond will still be carrying games for eight NHL teams during the upcoming season, including the Los Angeles Kings. Additionally, Diamond has existing agreements with other teams in Southern California, such as the Los Angeles Angels in baseball and the LA Clippers in the NBA.
The Anaheim Ducks’ decision to revamp their broadcasting strategies highlights the team’s commitment to adapting to the changing media landscape and enhancing the fan experience. By embracing a combination of over-the-air broadcasts and streaming services, the Ducks are ensuring that their games are accessible to a wider audience across multiple platforms. This move also reflects the broader trend among NHL teams to explore new broadcasting models that cater to the preferences of modern sports fans.
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