Broadcast Accessibility for Anaheim Ducks Fans Sees Major Shift
In a significant move designed to broaden access for fans, the Anaheim Ducks are reshaping their local game broadcasts. Starting next season, the team’s games will be available through a combination of direct-to-consumer streaming services and local over-the-air broadcasts. This strategic shift is aimed at enhancing fan engagement and ensuring that more viewers can watch Ducks games without a subscription fee.
The Ducks’ president, Aaron Teats, expressed his excitement about this new venture, stating, “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.” He emphasized the organization’s commitment to connecting with the fanbase, adding, “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.”
Next season, 65 of the Ducks' games will be aired on a local over-the-air channel in Los Angeles, specifically Channel 13. This move is set to significantly increase accessibility for viewers in the Ducks' extensive TV market, which spans across Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Imperial, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties, as well as Hawaii.
Moreover, all games will be available for regional streaming on the Victory+ streaming service, free of charge to viewers. Victory+, a platform that offers a free, ad-supported service, will launch in September, with its app accessible on smart TVs, tablets, and smartphones.
This change follows the expiration of the Ducks’ contract with their former broadcaster, Diamond Sports Group, at the end of the 2023-24 season. The company is currently involved in bankruptcy proceedings in Texas, adding to the complexity of the Ducks’ transition. Despite these issues, Diamond Sports Group remains a player in the sports broadcasting space, with agreements to carry games for eight NHL teams during the 2024-25 season, as well as partnerships with the Los Angeles Angels (MLB) and the LA Clippers (NBA).
The transition to Victory+ and over-the-air broadcasts is a part of a larger trend within the NHL. The Florida Panthers, for instance, are moving their local broadcasts to Scripps Sports, while the Dallas Stars are also set to stream their games regionally on Victory+. This shift reflects a broader industry movement toward enhancing accessibility and leveraging digital platforms to engage fans in innovative ways.
Brian Hayward and John Ahlers, beloved voices of the Ducks, will continue to be part of the broadcast team. Their presence ensures consistency and familiarity for fans as the team moves to new broadcasting platforms. The Ducks have also partnered with A Parent Media to facilitate this new broadcasting arrangement. Jason Walsh, the chief operating officer for A Parent Media, highlighted the organization’s readiness for this new chapter: “The Ducks are already a significant content coordinator and have a team president with a broadcasting background.”
The new broadcasting strategy is set to revolutionize how Ducks fans consume games, increasing accessibility and potentially expanding the team’s fanbase. By offering games on both free streaming platforms and traditional over-the-air channels, the Ducks are ensuring that fans across their regional territory have ample opportunities to engage with the team. This move marks an important step in modernizing the team's approach to media distribution and fan interaction, promising a more inclusive and accessible viewing experience for all.