Anaheim Ducks Shift Local Game Broadcasting Strategy
The Anaheim Ducks are embarking on a significant shift in how fans can tune into local game broadcasts. The team has announced a move to a hybrid model that incorporates both direct-to-consumer streaming and traditional local broadcasts. This change is aimed at increasing accessibility for fans throughout the Ducks' TV market.
Starting next season, 65 of the team’s games will be broadcast over-the-air on Channel 13 in Los Angeles. Additionally, all games will be available for regional streaming on the Victory+ platform without any cost to viewers. This streaming service will operate as a free, ad-supported model.
“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,” said 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 Ducks' previous broadcaster, Diamond Sports Group, is currently undergoing bankruptcy proceedings in Texas, and their contract with the team expired at the end of the 2023-24 season. Notably, Diamond Sports Group will still broadcast games for eight NHL teams during the 2024-25 season and has agreements with the Los Angeles Angels (MLB) and the LA Clippers (NBA).
The Ducks' regional broadcasting territory encompasses a broad area, including Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Imperial, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties, along with Hawaii. The strategic shift to a new model of broadcasting is being made in partnership with A Parent Media.
Jason Walsh, the chief operating officer for A Parent Media, highlighted the Ducks' established position in sports content. “The Ducks are already a significant content coordinator and have a team president with a broadcasting background,” Walsh stated.
The Victory+ app, which will facilitate the streaming of Ducks games, will be available for download on smart TVs, tablets, and smartphones starting in September. This initiative follows a broader trend in the NHL, with other teams like the Florida Panthers transitioning their local broadcasts to Scripps Sports and the Dallas Stars also planning to stream games regionally on Victory+.
The intention behind this initiative is not just technological advancement but also to enhance fan engagement and accessibility. By providing multiple viewing platforms at no cost, the Ducks aim to ensure that all fans in their region can have seamless access to the games.
Broadcast stalwarts Brian Hayward and John Ahlers will remain integral parts of the Ducks' commentary team, ensuring continuity in the content delivery even as the platform shifts. This anchoring presence aims to balance innovation with familiar faces that fans have come to trust.
This development marks a tailored approach to modern viewership habits, prominently featuring ad-supported, free streaming content, which is a growing trend in sports media. The Ducks' leadership appears confident that this dual approach will garner a broader viewership, ensuring that fans, irrespective of their preferred medium, can enjoy the games.
As the Anaheim Ducks prepare for this pivotal transition, the overarching objective remains clear: seamless, free access for fans to enjoy their team's games, thus driving greater engagement across their extensive regional territory.