Anaheim Ducks Shift to Free Streaming and Over-the-Air Broadcasts

The Anaheim Ducks have announced a significant change in their broadcasting strategy, moving away from traditional regional sports networks. This shift aligns with a growing trend in the National Hockey League (NHL), as teams seek to enhance fan accessibility and adapt to evolving media consumption habits.

For the upcoming 2024-25 season, the Ducks will air 65 games on an over-the-air channel in Los Angeles. Additionally, they have partnered with A Parent Media Co. Inc. to provide free regional streaming of all games through the Victory+ service. This move comes after the expiration of their contract with Diamond Sports Group, which had previously aired games on Bally Sports West.

Jason Walsh, chief operating officer for A Parent Media, highlighted the Ducks' capabilities as content coordinators and noted the broadcasting background of their team president. This expertise likely played a role in shaping the new broadcast model.

The Ducks are not alone in this transition. The Florida Panthers, recent Stanley Cup champions, have moved their local broadcasts to Scripps Sports. Similarly, the Dallas Stars have opted for regional streaming on Victory+. These changes reflect a broader shift in sports broadcasting, prioritizing direct-to-consumer options.

Aaron Teats, Ducks president, emphasized the organization's commitment to connecting with fans across their entire market. He stated, "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 over-the-air games will be broadcast on Fox 11 Plus (KCOP Channel 13). While the announcers for the broadcasts have not been officially confirmed, it is expected that the current team will remain. Brian Hayward, who has been the analyst since the franchise's inception in 1993, and John Ahlers, who has provided play-by-play for 22 seasons, are likely to continue their roles.

The Victory+ streaming app, set to launch in September 2024, will offer free, ad-supported access to Ducks games for fans in Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Imperial, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties, as well as Hawaii.

This broadcasting shift occurs against the backdrop of Diamond Sports Group's ongoing bankruptcy proceedings, which began in March 2023. Despite these challenges, Diamond will continue to carry games for eight NHL teams during the 2024-25 season, including the Los Angeles Kings.

The Anaheim Ducks, founded in 1993 by The Walt Disney Company, have a rich history in the NHL. They clinched their first Stanley Cup in 2007 and have made the playoffs 14 times. The team's commitment to fan engagement is evident not only in this new broadcast model but also in their community presence, including their AHL affiliate, the San Diego Gulls.

As the Ducks embark on this new broadcasting era, fans can look forward to easier access to games, potentially fostering a stronger connection between the team and its supporters across Southern California and beyond.