In recent years, the landscape of sports broadcasting has undergone a seismic shift, particularly concerning how local fans engage with their favorite teams. The Denver Nuggets of the NBA and the Colorado Avalanche of the NHL are at the forefront of this transformation, leveraging new broadcasting partnerships and innovative streaming services to enhance fan accessibility. This significant evolution in how fans consume sports is reflective of broader trends in the sports industry and the ongoing challenges posed by outdated distribution models.
Fans of the Nuggets and Avalanche will soon have greater flexibility in how they tune in to their teams, courtesy of Kroenke Sports & Entertainment. This organization, which owns both teams as well as the regional sports network Altitude, has joined forces with Tegna, a prominent broadcast station operator. The partnership marks a pivotal moment in local broadcasting, as it introduces a new avenue for fans to enjoy live games, countering the declining viewership associated with traditional cable packages.
As part of this redevelopment, 20 games each for the Nuggets and Avalanche will be aired on Tegna’s local channels, including 9NEWS and My20. This shift exemplifies a broader initiative within professional sports to cater to a growing number of fans distancing themselves from conventional pay TV. The introduction of new local broadcasting alternatives suggests a strategic response to dwindling viewership tied to exclusive cable contracts.
In addition to traditional broadcasts, Kroenke Sports is set to launch a direct-to-consumer streaming service, Altitude+, which will debut in October. This monthly subscription model, priced at $19.95, promises fans in the Denver media market access to every game featuring the Nuggets and Avalanche. This move highlights a crucial trend: sports franchises are beginning to recognize the process of digitally reaching audiences as a viable alternative to standard cable packages.
The notion of a direct-to-consumer platform is revolutionary for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it allows teams to better control their broadcasting rights, circumventing the challenges linked with larger cable providers. Secondly, it provides an affordable and convenient option for fans who might otherwise be unable to access their games due to restrictive viewing options. For dedicated fans, the immediate availability of live-action games through a straightforward streaming service is an enticing development that speaks to contemporary viewing habits.
For the past several years, many Colorado fans have faced hurdles in accessing Nuggets and Avalanche games due to ongoing disputes between Altitude Sports and major cable providers such as Comcast and Dish. The cable landscape has frequently left fans frustrated, especially with notable limitations post-2019, when Altitude became unavailable to Comcast viewers. This past has left a significant gap in access, highlighting the importance of this new broadcasting strategy.
Despite previous lawsuits and settlements between Altitude and Comcast, the absence of resolution over distribution has proven detrimental to fan engagement. The new deal with Tegna serves as a remedy to these long-standing issues, broadening the fanbase’s access in an era where convenience is king.
The evolving media landscape is impacting not only the Nuggets and Avalanche but also a myriad of teams across the NHL and NBA. The trend is increasingly evident as franchises seek alternative broadcasting solutions to navigate the pitfalls associated with traditional regional sports networks. As seen with the Dallas Stars and Anaheim Ducks, teams are actively pursuing new broadcasting partners and independent streaming options to ensure their games are accessible to fans.
The recent exit of teams like the Dallas Mavericks and New Orleans Pelicans from their former regional sports networks further illustrates the urgency teams feel to adapt. Moving to local over-the-air broadcasters showcases a willingness to experiment with different formats, ensuring that fans do not miss out on live games. The demise of the Bally Sports network has motivated several franchises to reshape their broadcasting strategies, showing that change is not only necessary but essential in the current landscape.
As the trends in sports broadcasting evolve, the implications extend beyond just cost structures and viewing accessibility. The growing emphasis on fan engagement and consumption preferences denotes a significant reorientation in how teams consider their public outreach. Leveraging innovative broadcasting methods provides a pathway to strengthen bonds with local supporters while paving the way for broader national visibility.
In the end, as the Nuggets and Avalanche embark on this new journey of broadcasting, they embrace the challenges of the digital age. The alliance with Tegna and the launch of Altitude+ signal a monumental shift in the sports industry—one that prioritizes fan accessibility and enhances the overall viewing experience. This shift may serve as a blueprint for how other franchises navigate the complex and competitive landscape of sports broadcasting in the 21st century, ultimately redefining the way fans connect with their beloved teams.