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Arizona Coyotes Launch Direct-to-Consumer Streaming Platform in Partnership with Kiswe and Scripps Sports

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The Arizona Coyotes announced a new media rights deal with Kiswe and Scripps Sports to launch Coyotes Central, a D2C streaming platform for fans to watch live games, replays, and exclusive content. Subscriptions start at $11.99 per month with the remainder of the 2023-24 season available for $24.99. The platform aims to enhance fan experience and provide flexible viewing options.
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The announcement of the Arizona Coyotes' partnership with Kiswe and Scripps Sports to offer a direct-to-consumer streaming service represents a significant shift in how sports franchises are leveraging technology to enhance fan engagement and monetize content. The move to a subscription-based model for streaming games and exclusive content is reflective of broader trends in the media industry, where traditional cable TV is losing ground to over-the-top (OTT) services.

From a market perspective, this initiative can potentially open up new revenue streams for the Coyotes, as it allows the franchise to directly capitalize on its fanbase without the need for traditional broadcast intermediaries. The pricing strategy, with monthly and seasonal packages, is designed to cater to different consumer preferences, which could lead to increased uptake and customer retention. The success of this model will likely depend on the quality of the content, user experience and the team's performance, which can drive subscription numbers.

Moreover, this deal could set a precedent for other sports franchises considering similar D2C platforms. If successful, it could encourage more teams to explore direct engagement with their fan bases, leading to a potential shift in sports broadcasting rights dynamics. This could have implications for the valuation of sports media rights and the stock performance of companies involved in sports broadcasting and streaming services.

The strategic partnership marks a pivotal moment for the Arizona Coyotes in terms of diversifying their revenue streams. By launching Coyotes Central, the team is directly tapping into the market of cord-cutters and younger demographics who prefer digital streaming over traditional television. Financially, this initiative could improve the team's profitability by reducing dependency on shared revenue from league-wide broadcasting deals and creating a more direct, stable source of income.

Analyzing the financial impact requires monitoring the subscriber growth and retention rates post-launch. The initial pricing appears competitive, which might attract a significant number of subscribers. However, it's essential to consider the costs associated with content production and platform maintenance. The long-term financial success of Coyotes Central will depend on achieving a balance between these costs and subscription revenue. Additionally, this move could influence the team's valuation and attractiveness to potential investors, as it demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to business operations in the sports industry.

The transition to a direct-to-consumer streaming service for sports content involves complex legal considerations, particularly around broadcasting rights. The Arizona Coyotes will need to navigate these rights carefully, ensuring that they do not infringe upon existing contracts with national broadcasters and other media partners. The 'beam and stream' model may also introduce new challenges around digital content rights and distribution, which could have contractual and regulatory implications.

Another aspect to consider is the legal framework surrounding consumer data protection, as the Coyotes will be collecting personal information from subscribers. They must comply with relevant privacy laws and regulations to avoid potential legal issues. Furthermore, the terms of service for Coyotes Central will need to be carefully crafted to protect the organization from liability while also providing transparency and fairness to subscribers.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Arizona Coyotes announced today a new media rights deal in collaboration with leading direct-to-consumer (D2C) streaming company, Kiswe, and Scripps Sports. This partnership heralds a new era for the Arizona Coyotes, bringing all locally broadcast games of the team directly to fans across Arizona through the innovative D2C platform, Coyotes Central. Fans will be able to subscribe to Coyotes Central beginning February 16, 2024, with the first game being streamed live that evening at 7PM MST.

Through Coyotes Central, fans in the local broadcast markets will have access to all non-nationally exclusive live Coyotes games, on-demand replays, pre- and post-game shows, and other exclusive Coyotes content.

Coyotes Central is accessible at http://coyotescentral.com, Monthly subscriptions will be available for $11.99 with the remainder of the 2023-24 season available for $24.99. Season subscription pricing for the upcoming 2024-25 season will be announced at a later date.

“We are excited to launch Coyotes Central, a new streaming platform that allows Arizona Coyotes fans to watch Coyotes games and original content at their convenience,” said Arizona Coyotes President & CEO Xavier A. Gutierrez. “This innovative direct-to-consumer option is a key component to our overall media strategy, and this partnership with Scripps Sports and Kiswe will enable us to deliver a flexible viewing option in our local broadcast market to our fans and ‘fans in waiting.”

“We are thrilled to partner with the Arizona Coyotes and Scripps Sports in expanding access to Coyotes games to all local fans,” said Glenn Booth, CEO of Kiswe. “This new deal highlights the growing trend towards the 'beam and stream' model for local sports distribution, and we are excited to continue to work with our partners to reshape sports media consumption.”

This collaboration between the Arizona Coyotes, Kiswe, and Scripps Sports further demonstrates the power D2C streaming in expanding access to local sports through unique content and flexible viewing options. As this season unfolds, Coyotes Central promises to bring the game to more local fans than ever before.

“Scripps Sports is focused on helping teams reach their fan bases, and this is another way in which Coyotes’ supporters can watch their team’s games,” said Scripps Sports President Brian Lawlor. “The goal is accessibility. This partnership is all about extending the reach.”

About Arizona Coyotes:

The Arizona Coyotes are a National Hockey League franchise based in Scottsdale, Arizona. The Coyotes are owned by Chairman and Governor Alex Meruelo. Since the club’s first season in the Valley of the Sun in 1996, the Coyotes have been a leader in the community and steadfast in its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. For the latest news and information on the Coyotes, please visit ArizonaCoyotes.com. Fans can follow the team on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

About Kiswe

Kiswe is an award-winning technology company that builds and powers D2C streaming platforms and events used by the biggest entertainment and sports brands. With best-in-class streaming technology and a unique partnership business model, Kiswe helps content owners maximize their revenue, build their brands, and engage every fan on every screen.

About Scripps Sports

Scripps Sports serves professional and college sports leagues, conferences and teams with local market depth and national broadcast reach of up to 100% of TV households. Scripps Sports currently has partnerships with the Women’s National Basketball Association, the National Women’s Soccer League, the National Hockey League’s Stanley Cup champion Vegas Golden Knights and NHL’s Arizona Coyotes, and the NCAA’s Big Sky Conference in college football. Scripps Sports is a division of The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP), a Fortune 100 American media company focused on creating a better-informed world.

Sydney Dennen

sydney@purposenorthamerica.com

6166489176

Source: Kiswe

FAQ

What is the name of the D2C streaming platform launched by the Arizona Coyotes in collaboration with Kiswe and Scripps Sports?

The D2C streaming platform launched by the Arizona Coyotes is called Coyotes Central.

When will fans be able to subscribe to Coyotes Central?

Fans will be able to subscribe to Coyotes Central starting on February 16, 2024.

How much does a monthly subscription to Coyotes Central cost?

A monthly subscription to Coyotes Central costs $11.99.

What content will fans have access to through Coyotes Central?

Fans will have access to all non-nationally exclusive live Coyotes games, on-demand replays, pre- and post-game shows, and other exclusive Coyotes content through Coyotes Central.

Who is the President & CEO of the Arizona Coyotes?

Xavier A. Gutierrez is the President & CEO of the Arizona Coyotes.

The E.W. Scripps Company

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