Anaheim Ducks Revamp Local Broadcast Strategy for Enhanced Fan Accessibility
In a decisive move designed to enhance fan engagement and accessibility, the Anaheim Ducks are transitioning their local game broadcasts to a dynamic combination of direct-to-consumer streaming and traditional television broadcasts. This shift aims to capture a broader audience and ensure that Ducks fans across their comprehensive TV market can enjoy the games without any cost barriers.
Innovative Broadcasting Partnership
The Ducks have partnered with A Parent Media, leveraging the expertise of the media company's chief operating officer, Jason Walsh. Walsh highlighted the emotional connection between the team and its fans, stating, “The Ducks are already a significant content coordinator and have a team president with a broadcasting background.”
A key aspect of this new broadcasting strategy is the Victory+ streaming service. This platform will stream all Ducks games regionally at no cost to viewers, offering a free, ad-supported service. The Victory+ app will be available for download on smart TVs, tablets, and smartphones starting in September, ensuring accessibility for fans on various devices.
Expansive Over-the-Air Coverage
In addition to digital streaming, 65 of the Ducks' games next season will be broadcast over-the-air on Channel 13 in Los Angeles. This approach ensures that fans who prefer traditional television broadcasts can still catch the games live in high quality. Ducks president Aaron Teats expressed his excitement about the new approach, saying, “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.”
The strategic inclusion of both digital and over-the-air broadcasts is part of the organization's mission to connect more deeply with their audience. Teats reinforced this commitment: “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.”
Coverage Extends Across Regions
The Ducks' regional territory encompasses a broad slice of Southern California, including Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Imperial, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties, as well as Hawaii. This extensive coverage ensures that fans in these areas can stay connected with their favorite team through both the Victory+ streaming service and the over-the-air Channel 13 broadcasts.
Continuity Amidst Change
The broadcasting team remains familiar to fans, with Brian Hayward and John Ahlers continuing their roles, providing that well-loved voice and insights into the games. This consistency will likely be appreciated by the Ducks’ fanbase as the team shifts to this new broadcasting model.
Previously, the Ducks’ games were broadcast by Diamond Sports Group, a company currently facing bankruptcy proceedings in Texas. The Ducks’ contract with Diamond Sports Group expired at the end of the 2023-2024 season, prompting the shift to the new broadcasting arrangement.
Despite the Ducks’ departure, Diamond Sports Group will continue to carry games for eight NHL teams during the 2024-2025 season and still maintains agreements with the Los Angeles Angels (MLB) and the LA Clippers (NBA).
Strategic Industry Moves
Interestingly, the Ducks are not alone in rethinking their broadcasting strategies. The Florida Panthers are transitioning their local broadcasts to Scripps Sports, while the Dallas Stars also plan to stream their games regionally on the Victory+ platform. These moves indicate a growing trend among professional sports teams to leverage digital streaming alongside traditional broadcasts to reach broader audiences.
With these innovations, the Anaheim Ducks are positioning themselves at the forefront of audience engagement in the modern broadcasting landscape. This strategic shift underscores the importance of flexibility and accessibility in sports media, ensuring that dedicated fans always have a way to tune in and support their team, no matter where they are or what device they’re using.