What's Happening?
The LA Kings have announced their new broadcast team for the 2025-26 NHL season, which will be featured on the FanDuel Sports Network. John Kelly, a seasoned NHL broadcaster, will serve as the lead play-by-play announcer, succeeding Hall of Famer Nick Nickson. He will be joined by Jim Fox, a long-time Kings analyst, and other former Kings players such as Tony Granato, Ray Ferraro, and Jarret Stoll, who will provide analysis for select games. The network plans to televise and stream 68 regular season games, along with two preseason matchups. The coverage will begin with the Kings' final two preseason games on October 2 and October 4, followed by the regular season opener on October 11 against the Winnipeg Jets. The FanDuel Sports Network aims to enhance the viewing experience by offering a deeper understanding of the game through expert analysis and insights.
Why It's Important?
This development is significant as it marks a new era for the LA Kings' broadcast, potentially attracting a broader audience with its diverse and experienced team of analysts. The partnership with FanDuel Sports Network, a fan-first local sports media platform, underscores the growing trend of sports teams collaborating with media networks to provide comprehensive coverage and engage fans more effectively. This move could also influence other sports franchises to explore similar partnerships, thereby reshaping the sports broadcasting landscape. Fans in Southern California, Nevada, and Hawaii will benefit from increased access to live games and expert commentary, enhancing their overall viewing experience.
What's Next?
As the new season approaches, fans can expect detailed coverage and analysis from the newly assembled broadcast team. The FanDuel Sports Network will offer various subscription options, including a special Season Pass, to ensure fans have multiple ways to access the games. Additionally, eight games will be simulcast on KCAL-TV, providing even more viewing options. The success of this new broadcast arrangement could lead to further collaborations between sports teams and media networks, potentially setting a precedent for future sports broadcasting strategies.
