The Los Angeles Kings announced Tuesday that all of its games will be streamed via iHeartRadio for the upcoming NHL season. The deal signals an end to the team’s place on AM radio.
Through a new exclusive digital partnership with iHeart Radio, coverage will stream live on the LA Kings Audio Network. The new streaming station will include a 30-minute pregame show, a live call-in postgame show, and replays of each game, according to a team press release. The move to iHeart Radio’s mobile app and online platform went into effect with Tuesday’s preseason opener against the Arizona Coyotes.
“With iHeartRadio’s incredible audience reach, this is indeed a special day in the broadcast history of our hockey club,” said Kings President Luc Robitaille in the press release. “We are looking forward to all the new opportunities iHeartMedia helps to provide and we look forward to working closely with our new partners who not only share our vision but will play a key role in implementing our vision.”
Kings play-by-play announcer Nick Nickson and analyst Daryl Evans will join the new digital audio network for their 38th and 20th seasons, respectively. iHeart Media, the parent company of iHeart Radio, owns 858 broadcast radio stations across the U.S.
In addition to linking with iHeartMedia, the Kings announced an extended deal with Skyview Networks. As the official audio solutions partner of the Kings, Skyview Networks will provide AdView software to control all advertising on all team broadcasts. The AdView application was developed specifically for play-by-play sports inventory management.
“Whether broadcast or streaming, AdView provides a franchise the tailored tools to maximize inventory and provide an organization’s front office the insight they need to analyze inventory and make the best revenue decisions,” Matt Stys, Vice President of Business Development for Skyview Networks, said in the press release.
SportTechie Takeaway
While teams and leagues have been quick to adapt OTT streaming platforms in place of traditional cable television, it seems the transition to streaming audio networks has come at a slower pace. The Kings are now one of five professional sports teams to partner with iHeartMedia Los Angeles to exclusively broadcast and stream games.