The Utah Jazz will be making their game broadcasts available over-the-air starting from the upcoming season. The team’s owner, Ryan Smith, announced the launch of his new production company called SEG Media, which will provide platforms for Jazz fans to watch games that are not nationally televised. Fans with a basic antenna will be able to access the broadcasts, reaching a potentially larger audience. Additionally, the production company will offer a paid subscription-based streaming service that includes unique team content.
Prior to this initiative, only 39% of households in Utah had the ability to watch Jazz games. With the new over-the-air broadcasts, Smith aims to reach 100% of the team’s audience, including those with traditional TV setups using rabbit ears.
This move follows similar developments by other sports franchises, such as the Vegas Golden Knights, Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Mercury, and Los Angeles Clippers, which have recently introduced direct-to-consumer options for their game broadcasts. The changing landscape of sports viewership, including the bankruptcy filing of Diamond Sports Group (the largest owner of regional sports networks), has prompted teams to explore alternative ways of delivering content and enhancing the fan experience.
The Jazz and SEG Media have received the necessary approvals from the NBA, and the new broadcasting venture will be operational when the NBA season begins in October. The aim is to provide a better experience for Jazz fans and expand the reach of game broadcasts beyond traditional licensing arrangements.
