As the realms of sports broadcasting continue to evolve, fans of the NBA’s Denver Nuggets and the NHL’s Colorado Avalanche will be introduced to new viewing avenues this season. In a significant shift aimed at meeting the demands of a fan base increasingly detached from conventional cable packages, Kroenke Sports & Entertainment (KSE) has formed a partnership with media powerhouse Tegna. This collaboration marks a critical moment in regional sports media, presenting an exciting landscape for local supporters of these beloved teams.
Looking to expand accessibility and viewership, the partnership between KSE and Tegna will see select games of the Nuggets and Avalanche broadcasted on Tegna’s local over-the-air channels. Specifically, fans can expect to catch 20 games for each team on familiar stations like 9NEWS and My20. This strategy emerges as franchises grapple with the decline of traditional pay television, compelling them to explore alternative broadcasting strategies to engage a broader audience.
This development is not merely about increasing viewership; it’s designed as a remedy for a market that has encountered significant broadcasting blackouts. With Altitude Sports—KSE’s regional sports network—only accessible through limited cable providers, particularly excluding major platforms such as Comcast and Dish Network, many Denver fans have found themselves disenfranchised. Steve Smith, president of KSE Media Ventures, articulated the organization’s commitment to maximizing exposure for their teams and ensuring fans can enjoy games in a manner best suited to their preferences.
Complementing the over-the-air broadcasts is the launch of a new direct-to-consumer streaming option called Altitude+, which is strategically set to debut in October at a competitive monthly rate of $19.95. This platform represents a crucial pivot towards a more modern and flexible viewing experience tailored for the tech-savvy demographic that prefers streaming services over traditional pay TV packages. Fans residing within the Denver market will benefit from having all Avalanche and Nuggets games at their fingertips, enabling them to engage with the teams they support regardless of their cable subscription status.
Given the historical context of previous disputes between Altitude Sports and Comcast, the new streaming model seems tailored to circumvent issues related to distribution disagreements. In 2019, Altitude Sports underwent a contentious period following its failure to negotiate a distribution agreement with Comcast, which resulted in a blackout that alienated many viewers. The subsequent settlement in March 2023 failed to restore Altitude on Comcast, underlining the necessity for innovative channels like Altitude+.
The Nuggets and Avalanche’s strategies align with a broader trend permeating the professional sports landscape—teams are increasingly exploring partnerships with local broadcasters and implementing streaming services to adapt to consumer behaviors that veer away from traditional cable. This change aims to retain and attract fans who demand flexibility and accessibility in how they consume sports content.
As seen with franchises like the Dallas Stars and New Orleans Pelicans, whose local games will now be broadcast rather than being solely reliant on regional sports networks, KSE’s initiative is part of a tapestry of evolving strategies across both the NBA and NHL. This pivot facilitates the potential for teams to gain more control over their broadcasting rights and how they engage with fans.
For the success of franchises, viewership rates are vital, and finding effective methods to retain and grow their audience is paramount. The shift toward streaming platforms also echoes an industry-wide necessity to balance profitability and accessibility. Regional sports networks, with their lucrative pay TV contracts, face the challenge of navigating a shifting market while ensuring they do not undercut their relationships with distributors.
As more teams experiment with streaming options, the overarching aim remains: to create synergistic opportunities that enhance the fan experience without compromising the revenue model that sustains professional sports leagues. The successful integration of both traditional and modern broadcasting methods will likely play a pivotal role in shaping the future of sports media strategy.
For fans of the Denver Nuggets and Colorado Avalanche, the upcoming season promises an invigorated viewing experience through the savvy partnership between KSE and Tegna. The combined approach involving free broadcasts, a dedicated streaming service, and a focus on accessibility demonstrates a commitment not only to the teams but also to the dedicated fanbase that supports them. As the industry shifts, these innovative moves may very well define how sports are consumed moving forward.