The Utah Jazz have announced plans to make their game broadcasts available over the air starting from the upcoming season. This move is intended to reach more viewers than ever before and offer a new option for fans. The owner of the team, Ryan Smith, unveiled his new production company called SEG Media, which will allow Jazz fans with a basic antenna to watch all games that are not televised nationally. The company will also feature a paid subscription-based streaming service that will include unique team content.
Smith mentioned that only 39% of households in the state had the ability to watch Jazz games when he bought the team. However, this new platform will enable the Jazz to reach 100% of their audience, including those with a TV with rabbit ears. The Jazz joins a growing list of franchises that have pivoted to new options for fans, including the Stanley Cup champion Vegas Golden Knights, the NBA’s Phoenix Suns, the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury, and the Los Angeles Clippers.
Change in Sports-Viewership Marketplace
The Jazz’s decision to offer over-the-air game broadcasts is the latest development in a rapidly changing sports-viewership marketplace. The largest owner of regional sports networks, Diamond Sports Group, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in March. This company, under the Bally Sports banner, has shown games from over 40 MLB, NBA, and NHL teams.
Ryan Smith commented on the changing sports-viewership marketplace, saying, “Obviously, the RSN model around the globe is changing and we’d rather lean into it and focus on the experience and providing the best experience for our fans.” The new venture received necessary approvals from the NBA, and it will be ready to go when the season starts in October.
New Philosophy for the Jazz
Ryan Smith added that the Jazz and the new production company came up with a new philosophy for broadcasting games. Instead of licensing their TV rights to one group and taking whatever they do, the Jazz decided to be in the media business. Smith mentioned that the Jazz has an incredible fan base, but they’re only showing the games to, at best, 40% of them. This new way of doing things will allow the Jazz to provide the best experience for their fans and reach 100% of their audience, including those with a basic antenna.
The Utah Jazz’s decision to offer over-the-air game broadcasts is a significant development in the sports-viewership marketplace. The new option for fans will enable the Jazz to reach more viewers than ever before and provide the best experience for their fans. The launch of SEG Media will allow fans with a basic antenna to watch all games that are not televised nationally and offer a paid subscription-based streaming service that will include unique team content. The new venture received necessary approvals from the NBA and will be ready to go when the season starts in October.
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