Atlanta Hawks Rekindle Partnership with Peachtree TV
The Atlanta Hawks, a storied franchise in the National Basketball Association (NBA), are set to re-ignite a relationship with Peachtree TV, renewing a partnership that has been dormant for nearly three decades. This collaboration promises to bring the excitement of Hawks basketball to more fans across the region, starting January 12, 2024.
In an exciting development for basketball enthusiasts, Peachtree TV is slated to broadcast every Friday night Hawks game for the remainder of the 2023-24 NBA season, with one exception. The March 8th game will not be aired; instead, viewers can look forward to the March 10th showdown against the New Orleans team.
The history between the Hawks and local television networks runs deep, with WPCH-TV (formerly known as Peachtree TV) airing games from 1972 until 1994, and WANF (previously WGNX) covering the period from 1986 to 1993. In a nod to this shared legacy, the first two games under the new arrangement will be simulcast on both Peachtree TV and WANF.
Accessibility is at the forefront of this initiative. Fans can catch live Hawks action not only on Peachtree TV but also through major cable and satellite services, as well as various Gray Television stations across Georgia and Alabama. This extensive coverage ensures that supporters have multiple avenues to follow their team.
Providing the play-by-play and color commentary for these broadcasts will be the experienced Bally Sports Southeast production crew. Dominique Wilkins, Bob Rathbun, and Tabitha Turner are set to lend their voices and insights, enhancing the viewing experience. Additionally, Baillie Burmaster, the Sports Director from WANF, will contribute to the coverage, bringing her expertise to the fore.
The Hawks' Friday night lineup features compelling matchups against formidable opponents such as the Miami Heat, Dallas Mavericks, Phoenix Suns, and Philadelphia 76ers. These games are not just regular-season encounters; they are battles that could define the Hawks' position in the playoff race.
Since 2019, Peachtree TV has also been home to the College Park Skyhawks, the G League affiliate of the Hawks. This expanded coverage of the Hawks' organization underscores the network's commitment to delivering top-tier basketball content to its viewers.
However, not all recent news has been positive for the Hawks. The team suffered a disappointing loss to the Sacramento Kings after squandering a significant lead due to a lackluster second-half performance. Key players Dejounte Murray and Bogdan Bogdanovic faltered when it mattered most, adding a mere two and three points respectively after halftime. The team's overall shooting efficiency plummeted, with field goal conversions at 28.9 percent and a three-point success rate of just 21.7 percent during the latter stages of the game.
Industry and Team Perspectives
Reflecting on the renewed partnership, Andrew Saltzman, an executive associated with the Hawks, expressed his enthusiasm. "It provides fans a new, complimentary way to view the games," he remarked, emphasizing the additional platform now available to the audience. Saltzman continued, "We're excited about the deal," and extended gratitude to both Peachtree TV and Gray TV for making this collaboration possible. He believes, "This partnership will benefit the Hawks' local fan base," by broadening the reach and accessibility of the games.
Erik Schrader, another industry voice, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the significance of bringing the Hawks back to broadcast television. "There's an opportunity for engaging new audiences and catering to long-time supporters," Schrader pointed out, underlining the potential for growth and strengthened community ties.
On the court, the focus remains on improvement and resilience. Head coach Quin Snyder underscored the necessity of "better execution and a collective approach" following the team's recent setbacks. Meanwhile, Clint Capela, a key player for the Hawks, candidly addressed the "team's frustration and the urgent need for a tactical shift" to turn the tide in future contests.
As the Hawks prepare for their upcoming fixtures and strive for excellence, the partnership with Peachtree TV stands as a beacon of progress, promising to enhance the fan experience and strengthen the bond between the team and its loyal supporters.