What's Happening?
DIRECTV has finalized a new multi-year distribution agreement to include Blue Note+ in its programming, making St. Louis Blues games accessible to a wider audience within the team's broadcast territory. This agreement extends Blue Note+ availability to DIRECTV customers
with CHOICE and higher packages, and U-Verse customers with U200 and above. Fans can tune into Blue Note+ on DIRECTV channel 673 or U-Verse channels 1747/747, with coverage commencing with the October 24 game between the St. Louis Blues and the Carolina Hurricanes. Beyond residential viewers, the agreement also grants distribution rights for each NHL team to DIRECTV FOR BUSINESS, encompassing sports bars, restaurants, fitness clubs, and other commercial venues within the Blues' broadcast area. Rob Thun, Chief Content Officer at DIRECTV, emphasized the company's dedication to connecting fans with their favorite teams and offering more flexible viewing options. Blue Note+ is also available on other platforms including Prime Video, Spectrum, and Fubo.
Why It's Important?
This expanded distribution of Blue Note+ is significant for the St. Louis Blues and their fanbase, as it broadens access to local game broadcasts. By making the channel available on major platforms like DIRECTV and U-Verse, the team can reach a larger segment of its regional audience, potentially increasing viewership and fan engagement. For DIRECTV and U-Verse, this move enhances their sports content offerings, making their packages more attractive to hockey enthusiasts. The inclusion of DIRECTV FOR BUSINESS also means that commercial establishments can legally and easily broadcast Blues games, fostering a communal viewing experience and potentially boosting local businesses. This development reflects a broader trend in sports broadcasting, where teams and networks are seeking diverse distribution channels to cater to evolving consumer preferences for how and where they consume live sports content. The commitment from DIRECTV to integrate team channels and regional sports networks highlights a strategic effort to adapt to the changing landscape of local sports distribution.
What's Next?
The immediate next step is the commencement of Blue Note+ broadcasts on DIRECTV and U-Verse, starting with the St. Louis Blues vs. Carolina Hurricanes game on October 24. Following this, both residential and commercial subscribers of DIRECTV and U-Verse within the Blues' broadcast territory will have consistent access to games. The multi-year nature of the agreement suggests a sustained period of expanded access for fans. This move could also set a precedent for other NHL teams and regional sports networks to pursue similar distribution deals with major television providers, further diversifying how sports content is delivered to audiences across the U.S. The success of this expanded distribution will likely be measured by increased viewership numbers and positive fan feedback, which could influence future broadcasting strategies for both the St. Louis Blues and DIRECTV.
Beyond the Headlines
The agreement between DIRECTV and Blue Note+ underscores the ongoing evolution of sports media consumption and the strategic importance of regional sports networks (RSNs) in the U.S. media landscape. As traditional cable subscriptions decline, RSNs are exploring various avenues, including streaming services and broader satellite/IPTV distribution, to maintain and grow their audience. This deal highlights the value placed on local sports content by major distributors, recognizing its power to attract and retain subscribers. It also touches upon the economic dynamics of sports broadcasting, where rights fees and distribution agreements play a crucial role in team revenues and network profitability. The emphasis on providing choice and flexibility to viewers reflects a consumer-centric approach, acknowledging that fans increasingly expect to access content on their preferred platforms. This trend could lead to more fragmented but ultimately more accessible sports viewing options, potentially reshaping how fans interact with their favorite teams and leagues in the long term.
