The Arizona Coyotes have recently made headlines by reaching a groundbreaking four-year deal with Scripps Sports, positioning themselves as the second NHL team to broadcast games over the air. This partnership will allow Scripps to broadcast all non-national Coyotes games to approximately 3 million people in both Arizona and Utah. The announcement of this deal comes as fantastic news for the Coyotes and their fan base, as they strive to expand their reach and attract new supporters.
Coyotes President and CEO, Xavier Gutierrez, acknowledged one of the significant challenges faced by regional sports models — the shrinking number of households with access to their games. In light of this, the partnership with Scripps Sports serves as a strategic move to counteract this issue and fulfill the Coyotes’ objective of providing exceptional service to their loyal fan base, while also capturing the attention of new fans. Furthermore, the Coyotes have been actively building an exciting, young team, making it all the more crucial to maximize exposure and increase viewership.
The Coyotes’ new broadcasting deal with Scripps Sports follows the termination of their telecast rights agreement with Diamond Sports Net Arizona. Diamond Sports has been navigating Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings in Texas since March, with a significant reported debt of $8.67 billion. Seeking an alternative solution to Diamond and Bally Sports Arizona, the Coyotes join the NBA’s Phoenix Suns and Major League Baseball’s Arizona Diamondbacks in exploring new broadcasting options.
Under the terms of the deal, Antenna TV network via KNXV.2, channel 15.2, will make all but one Coyotes game available over the air with an antenna. Additionally, Cox cable subscribers will have access to these broadcasts. This ensures that fans can continue to tune in and enjoy the Coyotes’ games conveniently. Despite the transition, the Coyotes’ dedicated broadcast team will remain in place, delivering the reliable coverage fans have come to expect. The broadcasts will also include pregame and postgame analysis to enhance the overall viewing experience.
Recognizing the evolving media landscape and the increasing demand for online streaming options, the Coyotes are actively working towards providing a streaming option for fans to watch their games. As media continues to undergo significant disruption, the Coyotes are determined to remain adaptable and ensure that their games remain accessible to their devoted fan base. Their commitment to staying connected to their audience is evident by their swift action in securing a new broadcasting deal.
The upcoming season for the Arizona Coyotes promises excitement and anticipation, starting with their first game on October 13th against the New Jersey Devils. With their innovative partnership with Scripps Sports, the Coyotes are taking a significant step towards broadening their audience reach and inviting more fans to join in their journey. The NHL’s decision to broadcast games over the air reflects the evolving landscape of sports broadcasting, and the Coyotes’ proactive approach sets a precedent for other teams to follow, encouraging further growth and engagement within the sport.
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