The Phoenix Suns have made a bold move to increase their fan base and reach by giving away free television antennas. This strategic decision comes after the team’s owner, Mat Ishbia, decided to end negotiations with Bally Sports and instead make their games available on local broadcast stations throughout Arizona, which are owned by Gray Television. Although this choice may have sacrificed millions in guaranteed revenue, it is anticipated to triple the number of households able to watch the Suns’ games to over 2.8 million.
Mat Ishbia, the new owner of the Phoenix Suns, believes that expanding their reach and appealing to a larger fan base will have long-term benefits for the team. By making their games available on over-the-air stations, the Suns can capture the attention of more fans throughout Arizona. This strategic shift aims to create a deeper connection between the team and its supporters, ultimately bolstering the Suns’ presence in the local community.
Better Accessibility
To assist fans in transitioning to this new broadcast model, the Phoenix Suns have gone the extra mile. They have offered to send free television antennas to any fans who complete a request form on the team’s website. This thoughtful gesture ensures that fans will have the necessary equipment to watch the games on local broadcast stations, even if they do not currently have access to cable or satellite television.
The offer of free television antennas by the Phoenix Suns was met with an overwhelmingly positive response from fans. The initial batch of antennas quickly ran out, prompting the team to order more to meet the demand. Josh Bartelstein, the CEO of the Suns, shared the team’s excitement with ESPN, highlighting the immense popularity of the offer and its impact on expanding the team’s audience.
The Phoenix Suns’ decision to make their games available on local broadcast stations is not an isolated move in the world of professional basketball. In June, the Utah Jazz followed suit by leaving their regional sports network and opting for local television broadcasts, accompanied by a streaming option. This trend indicates a shift in strategy among NBA teams, recognizing the importance of broadening their audience and making their games more accessible to fans.
By choosing to forego a potentially significant amount of guaranteed revenue, the Phoenix Suns are taking a calculated risk. Mat Ishbia, the team’s owner, ultimately decided that the long-term benefits of expanding the fan base outweighed the short-term financial gains. This strategic move demonstrates the Suns’ commitment to their supporters and their desire to build a strong and passionate following throughout Arizona.
The Phoenix Suns’ decision to provide free television antennas to their fans signifies a bold step towards enhancing their reach and connection with the local community. By making their games accessible on over-the-air stations owned by Gray Television, the Suns are aiming to attract a broader audience and strengthen their presence in Arizona. This innovative approach, coupled with a streaming option, showcases the team’s commitment to ensuring their dedicated supporters can continue to cheer on the Suns, regardless of their access to cable or satellite television. While the decision may have posed a risk in terms of potential revenue loss, the Suns’ long-term vision and determination to foster fan engagement and loyalty set them apart as a team dedicated to creating an unforgettable basketball experience.
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