Just In: “Massive” Florida Panthers Makes Addition Of ViewLift As Local Streaming Partner
Fresh off their Stanley Cup victory, the Florida Panthers are gearing up for their title defense with a new streaming partner and a new local broadcaster.
The team has announced a collaboration with ViewLift to create a direct-to-consumer streaming service in time for the 2024-25 NHL season. This platform will enable Panthers fans to watch live game broadcasts from Scripps Sports and access team-related content throughout the South Florida area via mobile devices, connected TVs, and online.
This development follows the Panthers’ recent agreement with Scripps Sports for local broadcasts, ending a nearly 30-year relationship with Bally Sports Florida and its predecessors. Games not featured on national TV will be aired on Scripps’ affiliate stations: WSFL-TV (Ch. 39) in Miami/Fort Lauderdale and WHDT-TV (Ch. 9) in West Palm Beach. An affiliate in Fort Myers is still pending.
With a compressed offseason due to their Cup run, the Panthers are working swiftly to prepare for the new season. “We’re racing to get ready for Opening Night,” said Mark Zarthar, the team’s chief strategy officer. “Our agreement with Scripps came together recently, so we have a tight deadline. ViewLift has demonstrated their ability to deliver quickly with past projects, which reassures us as we prepare for the season. They are adaptable and innovative.”
ViewLift, based in New York, has previously collaborated with the Vegas Golden Knights and the Washington Capitals on their streaming services. The company’s client list also includes the NHL, LIV Golf, and Italy’s Lega Nazionale Pallacanestro.
Rick Allen, CEO of ViewLift, highlighted that their experience in traditional TV has been beneficial for their streaming clients. “Our digital solutions are designed to complement linear TV, and we’re adept at working with traditional broadcasters,” Allen said. “We understand their needs and tailor our approach accordingly.”
According to the Panthers, the streaming platform’s real-time data will provide valuable insights to enhance the fan experience. Allen noted, “The exciting aspect of direct-to-consumer is the new level of data teams can access about their fans. This allows teams to understand their audience in great detail and tailor their offerings.”
In addition to live games, the Panthers plan to feature their weekly TV show, which was previously unavailable to some viewers, on the streaming platform. This will include game replays, classic games, and exclusive digital content. “If fans miss the live broadcast, they can find it on our DTC app,” Zarthar explained. “It will be a central hub for all our content, especially long-form content that wasn’t previously accessible.”
Many professional sports teams have moved away from regional sports networks, with most ending their deals with Diamond Sports Group. The Panthers are among four NHL teams to leave DSG since 2023, joining the NBA’s Phoenix Suns and New Orleans Pelicans. Florida also becomes the second consecutive Stanley Cup champion to switch to Scripps, following the Golden Knights’ move in 2023.
Recently, Diamond Sports Group struck a deal with Comcast, restoring its channels to the cable provider’s lineup on the more expensive Ultimate TV tier. However, DSG has not yet reestablished agreements with Altice customers since their contract ended on July 1. A confirmation hearing for Diamond’s reorganization plans, initially scheduled for July 29, remains unscheduled.
