Today the Vegas Golden Knights announced a deal with Scripps Sports which will “bring all locally broadcast Golden Knights games for free to residents of Nevada and surrounding states within the team’s broadcast territory.”
We’re extremely proud to announce a new partnership with @EWScrippsCO that will air all locally broadcast Golden Knights games FOR FREE to residents of Nevada and the team’s TV territory starting in 2023-24!! 📺 #ScrippsSports #VegasBorn #UKnightTheRealm https://t.co/pY6skDCWQj
— z – Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) May 4, 2023
A deal that matters to us. A deal that matters to our fans. 📺
📍: @CircaLasVegas #ScrippsSports #VegasBorn #UKnightTheRealm pic.twitter.com/4GMo7DjUGt
— z – Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) May 4, 2023
The change was announced following the shuttering of AT&T SportsNet by Warner Bros. Discovery.
This comes after Warner Bros. Discovery, the parent company of AT&T SportsNet announced they will be shutting down their regional sports networks.
— Jesse Granger (@JesseGranger_) May 4, 2023
The agreement allows The E.W. Scripps Company to televise all non-nationally exclusive Golden Knights games with full distribution on cable, satellite and over-the-air television. Financial terms are not being disclosed. The deal has obtained the necessary approvals from the National Hockey League.
Also from the story, Golden Knights games will air on KMCC-TV, which is currently airing programming from ION, Scripps’ national entertainment network. KMCC, channel 34, will be rebranded as an independent station before the 2023-24 NHL season begins.
Dave Goucher and Shane Hndiy will remain on the call for Vegas Golden Knights games, and broadcasts will continue to feature pre and postgame coverage. There will be additional distribution into the following areas per the release.
•Idaho: Boise, Idaho Falls and Twin Falls
•Montana: Billings, Butte-Bozeman, Glendive, Great Falls, Helena and Missoula
•Nevada: Reno
•Utah: Salt Lake City
•Wyoming: Casper-Riverton and Cheyenne-Scottsbluff
Jesse Granger from The Athletic also had this to add for those who have already cut the cord from cable services.
Details for cord cutters:
Adam Symson, president of EW Scripps, says they are working to make these broadcasts available for streaming services like YouTube TV and Hulu, and everyone in Las Vegas will be able to access it for free with a digital antenna. https://t.co/2aBpsOkWsV
— Jesse Granger (@JesseGranger_) May 4, 2023
Overall, this solution seems like it will help a lot of people. The shuttering of the existing network follows a trend that has impacted other sports and teams, and this new offering providing a service for free is a solid option.