Stars Sign New Streaming Deal, In-Market Fans Can Watch Games for Free
In an unprecedented move, the Dallas Stars have announced a new streaming agreement that will allow fans within their regional territory to watch games for free.
On Monday, the Stars revealed a seven-year partnership with A Parent Media Co. Inc. (APMC) to broadcast all regional games without charge starting next season. These games will be available on VICTORY+, a direct-to-consumer streaming service developed by APMC in collaboration with the Stars.
VICTORY+ will launch in September, providing free access to non-nationally televised Stars games for fans in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Arkansas. This marks a significant shift from the previous arrangement with Diamond Sports Group, owners of the Bally Sports networks. According to team president and CEO Brad Alberts, the Stars and DSG have mutually agreed to terminate their deal, pending court approval.
“After years of researching the right solution and careful planning with our partners at APMC, we’re proud to announce this pioneering streaming platform that will literally change the game for sports distribution on VICTORY+,” Alberts explained in a release. “Our first priority has always been our fan base, and on VICTORY+, fans will be able to stream 100 percent of Stars content for free through this innovative and unique streaming platform for sports programming.”
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VICTORY+ will operate as a free ad-supported streaming service, ensuring advertisers can still engage with fans through traditional advertisements.
The Stars are the first NHL team to establish this type of streaming deal. In basketball, the Phoenix Suns of the NBA and the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury began broadcasting non-national games locally for free in partnership with Gray Television last season after Bally Sports Arizona dissolved.
Similarly, the Utah Jazz began broadcasting games on KJZZ in Salt Lake City and launched Jazz+, a streaming service that allows the team to control local game broadcasts, after AT&T SportsNet ended its regional sports division. The Jazz are owned by Smith Entertainment Group, which also owns the Utah Hockey Club. Though the hockey team’s broadcast deal has yet to be announced, it wouldn’t be surprising if it mirrors the approach taken by the Jazz.
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