The landscape of sports broadcasting is transforming rapidly, and local fans of the Denver Nuggets and Colorado Avalanche are positioned to benefit significantly this season. As viewership habits evolve and consumers increasingly abandon traditional pay-TV packages, teams are compelled to explore innovative broadcasting methods to maintain engagement and accessibility. This article delves into the shifting paradigms of sports media rights, particularly focusing on the Denver market, where Kroenke Sports & Entertainment is breaking new ground through partnerships and direct-to-consumer offerings.

In a notable shift, Kroenke Sports & Entertainment has formed a partnership with Tegna, a company that owns several local broadcast stations, including 9NEWS and My20. This collaboration is set to broaden the accessibility of Nuggets and Avalanche games, with 20 games from each team slated to be aired on Tegna’s platforms this season.

This decision underscores a significant attempt to reach a wider audience, especially considering the recent struggles of regional sports networks (RSNs) in maintaining viewer bases amidst changing consumer preferences. By leveraging local over-the-air broadcasts, Kroenke Sports & Entertainment is taking proactive measures to engage fans who might have felt alienated due to ongoing disputes with providers like Comcast, which has not aired Altitude Sports since 2019.

Along with the partnership with Tegna, the introduction of Altitude+ represents a major innovation in how fans can consume sports content. Launching at a monthly subscription fee of $19.95 in October, this direct-to-consumer streaming service aims to cater specifically to the Denver media market, offering fans a robust option to watch both Avalanche and Nuggets games without traditional cable packages.

The implications of Altitude+ extend beyond mere convenience; they reflect a broader trend where teams are opting to disassociate from conventional broadcasting services to establish direct relationships with their fanbases. Sports franchises are realizing the potential of creating exclusive content for their ardent followers, and this strategic move aligns with the increasing prevalence of on-demand media consumption, as consumers demand greater flexibility in their viewing experiences.

Kroenke’s decision to broaden broadcasting opportunities is particularly salient in light of the tumultuous recent history of regional sports networks. The fallout from disputes between content owners and cable providers has created a significant blackout effect for many sports fans. The ongoing challenges faced by Diamond Sports, which operates Bally Sports and has recently entered bankruptcy, have further complicated the media landscape.

These dilemmas have prompted teams like the Dallas Mavericks and New Orleans Pelicans, previously reliant on networks like Bally Sports, to seek alternative routes for broadcasting. By forging agreements with local broadcasters, these teams are ensuring that their games remain accessible to fans, a shift that has now culminated in the Nuggets and Avalanche’s partnership with Tegna.

The future of sports viewing is increasingly shaped by how leagues and franchises recognize and respond to shifts in consumer behavior. Streaming platforms are becoming vital components of a network strategy that enhances fan accessibility and engagement. However, organizations must tread carefully; many contracts with cable providers are founded on financial agreements that benefit both the teams and the networks. If teams disrupt these contracts too significantly, they risk jeopardizing crucial revenue streams generated through broadcasting fees.

Other regional sports networks, like YES Network and MSG Networks, are also responding by developing their streaming options, indicating a broader industry trend towards providing diversified viewing platforms while maintaining necessary ties with traditional broadcasting systems. This kind of hybrid approach is likely to become the standard, and the significance of synergistic relationships between teams, broadcasters, and streaming services cannot be overstated.

The partnership between Kroenke Sports & Entertainment and Tegna, combined with the launch of Altitude+, is a harbinger of a new era for sports broadcasting in Denver. The industry is moving towards greater flexibility and accessibility, putting fans at the heart of the viewing experience. While the future remains uncertain, the current trajectory emphasizes the importance of innovation and adaptability as essential tools in the quest to engage and retain a loyal sports audience. As teams seek to navigate this changing landscape, their success will hinge on their ability to meet consumer demands head-on, making sports more enjoyable and accessible than ever before.

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