The Tampa Bay Lightning is the latest professional ice hockey team to confirm that it will launch a direct-to-consumer streaming solution. The new service will go live later this year as part of a wider approach to expand access to the team.
Thanks to a new multi-year agreement with Scripps Sports, the plan here is to make it easier for fans throughout the Tampa Bay area to watch live games. This will begin with the start of the 2025-26 NHL season this fall, when Lightning hockey games will be available to watch for free locally.
As part of the agreement, Scripps plans to launch WXPX-TV, a second local station serving the Tampa-St. Petersburg area. Branded as “The Spot – Tampa Bay 66“, the second station launches July 1st and will be the broadcast home of the Lightning going forward.
In addition to all locally produced Lightning games, the channel will also feature news and entertainment programming as well.
In terms of the new DTC service, neither Tampa Bay Lightning nor Scripps have confirmed when the service will become available. However, they have confirmed the service will be live in time for the start of the 2025-26 season.
Once available, Lightning fans based in the Bolts’ broadcast territory will be able to stream live games within the existing Lightning app.
“The complement of broadcast television and streaming guarantees that fans can follow the games from their living room or wherever they are in their busy lives. We look forward to sharing many winning moments with one of the league’s most loyal fan bases,” said Brian Lawlor, president of Scripps Sports.
The new experience is set to be powered by ViewLift, the same company that previously helped launch a number of other team-specific streaming apps and experiences, including the Vegas Golden Knights DTC service and the Florida Panthers DTC service.
“We will make it easy for Bolts fans to stream games through their existing Lightning mobile apps and new apps on far more devices, helping the Lightning bring on-ice action and behind-the-scenes information and experiences to fans of all ages, at home or on the move,” said ViewLift CEO Rick Allen.
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