The National Hockey League’s (NHL) Arizona Coyotes has announced that a new deal with national broadcaster Scripps Sports is in place to air games for residents in Arizona and the surrounding areas.
A total of 81 Coyotes games will be shown on the free over-the-air network Antenna TV following the deal. The NHL team will also gain additional commercial value through the Scripps-owned ABC15 Arizona TV network.
Alex Meruelo, Coyotes Owner, Chairman and Governor, commented: “We are thrilled to partner with Scripps Sports and provide free Coyotes games to our fans. This is a major win for us to be able to increase our reach and continue to grow the great game of hockey in the desert. We are committed to winning, committed to the Valley, and committed to doing what’s best for our incredibly loyal and passionate fanbase.”
Coyotes President and CEO Xavier A. Gutierrez added: “This is an innovative collaboration that will ensure that all our great fans can watch Coyotes hockey on television for free and allows us to better connect with our incredible fans and fans-in-waiting.”
Each game broadcast will include pregame and postgame coverage, with cast members including Matt McConnell as a play-by-play announcer, Tyson Nash as colour analyst, and Todd Walsh and Jody Jackson hosting.
Scripps will also help the Coyotes co-produce a 30-minute ‘Club Insider’ programme every month that focuses on the team and its players on and off the ice.
Brian Lawlor, President of Scripps Sports, commented: “Scripps Sports looks forward to working with the Arizona Coyotes to showcase their exciting young team. We believe the future of this team is bright, and we look forward to making the games available for all fans to enjoy.”
Up until recently, the Coyotes held a broadcasting agreement with Diamond Sports Net, but collapsed after the regional sports network faced financial troubles. .
The RSN, which operates Bally Sports, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy back in March and is currently seeking to separate from its owner Sinclair Broadcast Group.
