The Phoenix Suns, under new ownership of Mat Ishbia, have taken a bold step to make their games more accessible to fans. Instead of extending their TV rights deal with Bally Sports, the team has opted to broadcast games on local over-the-air stations across Arizona. This decision, while sacrificing guaranteed revenue, aims to significantly increase the reach of the team’s games to over 2.8 million households. To further assist fans with this transition, the Suns have offered to provide free television antennas to those who request them through the team website.
In a forward-thinking move, the Suns recognized that expanding their audience is not only good for fan engagement but also beneficial for their long-term business prospects. By shifting away from a traditional sports network and embracing local broadcast stations, the team is able to tap into a much wider audience. Although this decision could potentially result in a loss of revenue in the short term, the increased exposure and accessibility to games will likely pay off in the long run.
The offer of free television antennas to help fans access the local broadcasts has been met with overwhelming enthusiasm. Upon announcing the initiative, the Suns quickly depleted their initial batch of antennas due to the high demand. This response highlights the significance of this move for fans who may not have had access to cable or satellite services to watch the games. The Suns promptly acted by ordering more antennas to meet the demand and ensure that every fan who requested one would receive it.
Partnership with Kiswe
To further enhance their streaming capabilities, the Suns have partnered with Kiswe, a leading video technology company. Through this collaboration, fans will have the option to stream the games alongside the local broadcasts. This streaming feature provides an additional level of convenience for fans who prefer to watch the games on their mobile devices or computers. By embracing both traditional broadcasting and streaming options, the Suns are staying ahead of the curve and catering to the diverse preferences of their fan base.
Influence on Other Teams
The Suns’ decision to prioritize local broadcasts and streaming options over exclusive TV rights has set an example for other sports teams. In June, the Utah Jazz followed suit by leaving their regional sports network and opting for local television broadcasts with a similar streaming option. This trend indicates a shift in the sports industry, with teams recognizing the importance of maximizing their reach and engaging with fans on various platforms.
The Phoenix Suns’ strategic move to offer free TV antennas to fans, coupled with their partnership with Kiswe for streaming options, demonstrates their commitment to expanding their fan base. By prioritizing accessibility and embracing both traditional and modern means of broadcasting, the Suns are revolutionizing how teams connect with their supporters. This innovative approach not only ensures a wider reach for the team’s games but also strengthens fan loyalty and engagement. As other teams take note of the Suns’ success, it is likely that more franchises will follow suit, bringing the joy of sports to a larger audience.
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