In a rapidly evolving sports landscape, the embrace of technology and changing viewer preferences have compelled teams to rethink how they deliver games to their fans. This season, local fans of the NBA’s Denver Nuggets and the NHL’s Colorado Avalanche are in for a treat, as they gain access to a new array of viewing options. The partnership between Kroenke Sports & Entertainment and Tegna marks a significant shift in the way these teams engage with their audience, reflecting broader trends in the sports broadcasting industry.
As the NBA and NHL seasons tip off, with the NHL set to start on October 4 and the NBA on October 22, this partnership promises to deliver 20 games for each team through Tegna’s local over-the-air broadcasts, specifically on the channels 9NEWS and My20. For those seeking a more flexible option, Kroenke Sports is also launching Altitude+, a direct-to-consumer streaming service that will allow fans in the Denver media market to watch every Nuggets and Avalanche game for a monthly fee of $19.95. This is a notable development, particularly for fans who have drifted away from traditional pay-TV bundles in search of more accessible and affordable options.
The strategic move to expand viewing options comes on the heels of a significant gap in game availability for local fans. Altitude Sports, the regional sports network that has historically aired games for these teams, has been largely unavailable to Comcast and Dish Network customers since 2019 due to a failed distribution agreement. This has left many fans frustrated and disconnected from their favorite teams. The recent settlement between Altitude Sports and Comcast, although not resulting in the network’s restoration on Comcast, has paved the way for new partnerships that aim to fill this void.
Steve Smith, President of KSE Media Ventures, emphasized the importance of this deal in maximizing exposure for the Nuggets and Avalanche. “What we’re really focused on is trying to get maximum exposure for our two great teams,” Smith stated. “And we think this deal really gives people the opportunity to do it however they want.” This sentiment underscores a growing recognition among sports franchises that flexibility in viewing options is paramount to maintaining fan engagement in an era where viewers have myriad choices.
This trend is not isolated to Colorado; it reflects a broader movement within professional sports as teams reassess their broadcasting strategies. For instance, the NHL’s Dallas Stars and Anaheim Ducks have also pivoted away from traditional regional sports networks, opting for direct-to-consumer models and local over-the-air broadcasts. This shift is particularly poignant in light of the recent bankruptcy of Diamond Sports, which has forced multiple teams to explore new avenues to connect with their fan bases.
Moreover, regional sports networks are increasingly launching their own streaming options to cater to evolving viewer habits. Notable examples include the YES Network, which broadcasts New York Yankees games, and MSG Networks, known for airing New York Knicks and Rangers games. As these networks venture into the streaming space, they must tread carefully to avoid disrupting existing pay-TV contracts that provide substantial revenue streams.
The importance of this shift cannot be overstated, especially as sports leagues and franchises grapple with declining viewership on traditional platforms. Recent studies indicate that younger audiences are particularly inclined to seek out digital options, often prioritizing convenience and affordability over traditional cable packages. This generational shift necessitates a reevaluation of how teams reach their fans, presenting both challenges and opportunities.
In conclusion, the partnership between Kroenke Sports & Entertainment and Tegna represents a pivotal moment for the Denver Nuggets and Colorado Avalanche, as they strive to make their games more accessible to local fans. As the sports broadcasting landscape continues to evolve, these teams are not only adapting to changing viewer preferences but also setting a precedent for how franchises can innovate in their approach to fan engagement. The future of sports viewing, it seems, is not just about the games themselves, but how and where fans choose to experience them.
