The landscape of sports broadcasting is evolving rapidly, particularly within the realms of the NBA and NHL. As traditional pay-TV subscriptions decline, teams are seeking innovative ways to keep fans engaged and meet their viewing needs. Recently, Denver has been at the forefront of this shift, thanks to a new partnership between Kroenke Sports & Entertainment and Tegna. This collaboration signals a pivotal moment for fans of the Denver Nuggets and the Colorado Avalanche, addressing long-standing accessibility issues while paving the way for modern solutions in sports media consumption.
Kroenke Sports & Entertainment has made a strategic decision by teaming up with Tegna, a prominent broadcast station owner, to enhance local game accessibility. Beginning with the current sports season, a total of 20 games for both the Nuggets and the Avalanche will be available through Tegna’s over-the-air channels, 9NEWS and My20. This partnership not only increases visibility for the teams but also provides a more inclusive option for fans who might not have access to traditional cable packages.
This move is particularly significant given the fragmentation of sports broadcasting in recent years. The escalating number of fans turning away from conventional cable TV subscriptions has forced teams to innovate and adapt. By entering into this new local broadcast agreement, Kroenke Sports & Entertainment demonstrates a proactive approach to retain fan engagement in the face of an evolving viewer landscape.
The Launch of Altitude+
In tandem with the local broadcast agreement, Kroenke’s organization is also set to introduce Altitude+, a direct-to-consumer streaming service available within the Denver media market. With a subscription fee of $19.95 per month, fans will enjoy the advantage of watching every Nuggets and Avalanche game live from the comfort of their homes or on the go. Offering such a service represents a significant shift in strategy, moving away from restrictive viewing options that have typically characterized regional sports networks.
The impending launch of Altitude+ can be viewed as part of a broader movement among professional sports teams across the country. The influx of streaming options signifies a fundamental change in how games are consumed, allowing fans to prioritize flexibility and affordability. As more teams follow suit, a compelling question arises: will the traditional pay-TV model as we know it become obsolete?
Historically, access to local sports broadcasts has been fraught with complications for fans, particularly in the Denver market. The struggles began as far back as 2019 when Altitude Sports and Comcast could not reach an agreement for distribution, leaving many fans scrambling for alternative viewing options. As the market began to further fragment with other regional sports networks facing similar issues, the growing discontent among fans became apparent.
The partnership with Tegna is not merely a reaction to these challenges; it represents a calculated effort by Kroenke Sports & Entertainment to maximize exposure for both the Nuggets and Avalanche. The validation of this approach was articulated by Steve Smith, president of KSE Media Ventures, who emphasized their focus on providing fans with impactful viewing opportunities, regardless of how they chose to engage.
Denver is not an isolated case in this transformative broadcast landscape. Teams across the league are increasingly pivoting towards broadcasting partners as well as launching their own streaming platforms. The Dallas Stars and Anaheim Ducks, for instance, have made similar moves to offer games via free local broadcasts and direct-to-consumer streaming services. These trends underscore a growing recognition among franchises that traditional regional sports networks may be unsustainable.
As the NBA and NHL navigate the complexities of changing media preferences, the challenge remains to balance innovative accessibility with profitable broadcasting agreements. A careful approach must be adopted to ensure that new streaming options do not erode the camaraderie and community that traditional watch parties fostered.
The partnership between Kroenke Sports & Entertainment and Tegna, along with the introduction of Altitude+, symbolizes a significant paradigm shift in how fans experience their favorite sports teams. As Denver fans prepare for what promises to be an exciting season, the approach taken by local franchises reflects larger trends in the competitive broadcasting landscape.
In the end, it is the fans who will benefit most from these developments. The commitment to increasing accessibility to live sports games and providing flexible viewing options marks a significant step in making the world of sports more inclusive. As the NBA and NHL seasons unfold, all eyes will be on how this new model performs and whether it can truly redefine local sports broadcasting for the next generation of fans.