Disney Streaming Services is upgrading the NHL’s digital offerings for the 2018/19 season. Games will be available through ESPN+, and NHL.TV will feature 50 percent more pre- and post-game broadcasts from regional sports networks, a “no spoilers” setting for notifications, and a new app for the Apple Watch.
The NHL’s revamped app also embeds venue information previously only accessible through the separate Arena app and overhauls the design of each team page to permit video viewing alongside stories. The app is available on Amazon Fire TV and tablets, Apple Watch, tvOS and iOS, Roku, Xbox, PlayStation, and Google’s Chromecast.
The NHL and BAMTech originally partnered in 2015 to create NHL.TV. After Disney acquired a majority stake in BAMTech in 2017, the company rebranded its direct-to-consumer video business as Disney Streaming Services under the leadership of former BAMTech CEO Michael Paull. Disney launched ESPN+ last April. These upgraded hockey features represent part of Disney’s continued investment in streaming.
“This season we’re focused on continuing to enhance the hockey fan’s digital experience, including expanded distribution of the NHL app, new fan-driven features, and a design overhaul that prioritizes video viewing, getting fans faster into the action,” said Barry Tishgart, SVP and GM for hockey at Disney Streaming Services, in a statement. “We’re excited about the opportunities with the ESPN+ service, also operated by Disney Streaming Services, to reach broader sports fans with 180 NHL games going into the base tier of the premium service.”
SportTechie Takeaway
The improved features and expanded availability of the NHL.TV app will stand to benefit hockey fans, but the package of games airing on ESPN+ may have a bigger impact on the league’s popularity. ESPN had been a cornerstone of NHL coverage from 1992 to 2004, before an owner lockout cancelled the 2004/05 season and the network subsequently didn’t renew its broadcast rights. Many observers, including ESPN’s ombudsman in 2007, have argued that the network’s reduction in NHL coverage (via game broadcasts and highlights) had a tangible impact on hockey’s popularity. The 2017/18 regular season marked a low for NBCSN’s cable audience, dropping 12 percent to an average of 302,000, according to SportsBusiness Daily. With the daily games available on ESPN+, which recently surpassed one million subscribers, Disney has increased incentive to re-energize the sport.