The Dallas Stars have decided to switch things up and move their games to a streaming platform. They ended their partnership with Diamond Sports Group, who own the Bally Sports networks, and signed a seven-year contract with A Parent Media Co. Inc. to create a streaming service.
Instead of being on a regional sports network (RSN), all Stars games that are not nationally broadcasted will now be available on a direct-to-consumer streaming service called Victory+. This move makes Dallas the first major men’s sports franchise in the United States to make this shift.
Victory+ will be a free service with ads, allowing fans to access all Stars content without any additional costs. Stars president and CEO Brad Alberts expressed excitement about this new venture, highlighting the careful planning and research that went into creating this innovative platform.
Previously, the Stars’ local broadcasts were shown on Bally Sports Southwest, which was formerly known as a Fox Sports network. Now, with this transition to streaming, the Stars are following in the footsteps of other NHL teams like the Vegas Golden Knights, the Utah Hockey Club (formerly the Arizona Coyotes), and the Florida Panthers, who have also moved away from Diamond Sports Group for broadcast agreements.
This shift to streaming represents a new era in sports distribution, offering fans more accessibility to their favorite teams and content. It’s a sign of the changing landscape of how sports are consumed and enjoyed by audiences. The Stars’ decision to embrace this change reflects their commitment to putting their fans first and providing a unique and innovative way to engage with their content.
As technology continues to advance and streaming services become more popular, it will be interesting to see how other sports teams and leagues adapt to meet the evolving demands of their fan base. The move by the Dallas Stars may pave the way for more teams to explore similar opportunities in the future, ultimately reshaping the sports broadcasting industry as we know it.