The National Hockey League season has begun, and the Dallas Stars are facing a unique challenge due to the bankruptcy of their cable company, Diamond Media Group. In response to this, the team has partnered with Canadian streaming service APMC to launch Victory+, a free streaming app that will broadcast almost all of the Stars’ 82-game season.
Stars president and CEO, Brad Alberts, expressed that they are willing to pioneer this experiment of offering free streaming directly to consumers. This decision was made to ensure that fans could continue to watch games despite the cable company’s bankruptcy. APMC, led by Neil Gruninger, stepped in to provide this solution, emphasizing the importance of free streaming for sophisticated viewers who may find ways around paywalls.
Fans like Bart Kudlicki are excited about the prospect of watching games for free but are curious about how long this service will remain free. Alberts acknowledges this concern and mentioned that the team’s revenue model will depend on fan feedback and the evaluation of the economics behind the free streaming service.
Chris Whipple, a fan who founded a hockey team for disabled veterans, appreciates the accessibility of the Victory+ app, especially for his young son who is a hockey enthusiast. The app also offers other sports programming, including extreme sports from Red Bull and content from popular creators like Dude Perfect.
Victory+ is positioned as a new, ad-funded streaming network that aims to revolutionize sports broadcasting. The Anaheim Ducks and the St. Louis Blues have already joined this platform, setting the stage for potential expansion with more teams and leagues in the future. Alberts and Gruninger have ambitious plans for the service, including the possibility of streaming high school games.
As the success of Victory+ unfolds in the coming years, the partnership between the Dallas Stars and APMC could pave the way for a new era of sports streaming. This innovative approach to fan engagement and accessibility may set a precedent for other professional teams and leagues to follow suit, ultimately shaping the future of sports broadcasting in the digital age.
