The Anaheim Ducks are embarking on a new broadcasting journey, blending direct-to-consumer streaming with traditional local broadcasts in a strategic move aimed at enhancing accessibility for their fans across their expansive TV market. This innovative approach is set to take flight next season, marking a significant shift in how Ducks fans will tune in to enjoy the games.
In a major development, 65 of the Ducks' games will be broadcast over-the-air on Channel 13 in Los Angeles. This effort to bring the games to a broader audience is complemented by the regional streaming of all games via the Victory+ streaming service—offered at no cost to viewers.
Reaching More Fans
The Victory+ streaming platform has promised a free, ad-supported service, tapping into the growing trend of cord-cutting while ensuring fans remain connected to their favorite team without financial barriers. Beginning in September, fans can download the Victory+ app on smart TVs, tablets, and smartphones.
This transition follows the expiration of the Ducks’ contract with their former broadcaster, Diamond Sports Group, at the end of the 2023-24 season. Currently, Diamond Sports Group faces bankruptcy proceedings in Texas. Despite their financial woes, Diamond will continue to carry games for eight NHL teams during the 2024-25 season and maintain agreements with the Los Angeles Angels (MLB) and the LA Clippers (NBA).
Reinforcing the strategic significance of this move, Ducks president Aaron Teats emphasized, “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.”
Local and Regional Broadcasts
The regional footprint of the Ducks' broadcasts is impressive, encompassing Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Imperial, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties, as well as extending to Hawaii. This extensive coverage ensures that fans throughout these areas can catch the action whether through over-the-air broadcasts on Channel 13 or the Victory+ streaming platform.
It’s not just Anaheim embracing this shift. The Florida Panthers are moving their local broadcasts to Scripps Sports, and the Dallas Stars plan to stream their games regionally on Victory+. With changes like these becoming more common, the face of local sports broadcasting is undoubtedly evolving.
Brian Hayward and John Ahlers, familiar voices to Ducks fans, will remain part of the broadcast team, providing a sense of continuity amidst these changes. The Ducks have partnered with A Parent Media for this new broadcasting arrangement, leveraging their expertise to ensure a seamless transition for fans.
Vision for the Future
This shift in broadcasting strategy is not just about technology; it’s about engaging more deeply with the fan base. Jason Walsh, the chief operating officer for A Parent Media, highlighted the Ducks’ initiative, stating, “The Ducks are already a significant content coordinator and have a team president with a broadcasting background.”
Teats echoed this sentiment, expressing enthusiasm about the new direction: “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 Ducks’ new approach to broadcasting underscores their commitment to making games more accessible and enhancing fan engagement. By removing financial barriers and leveraging modern technology, they are ensuring that regional fans can stay connected to the team they love without constraints. As the puck drops next season, Ducks fans can look forward to an enriched viewing experience, no matter where they are in the regional territory.