The Florida Panthers have officially launched Panthers Plus, a new direct-to-consumer (D2C) streaming service in collaboration with Scripps Sports and ViewLift. This service provides Panthers fans within the team’s broadcast territory access to 70 live, locally-produced regular-season games and the first round of the playoffs, should the team qualify. The streaming platform is now available on various devices, including web browsers, iOS, AppleTV, Roku, and Amazon Fire TV, with support for Android, Samsung TV, and LG TV coming soon.
This move comes as the traditional Regional Sports Network (RSN) model continues to unravel. As cable subscriptions decline and more fans turn to streaming services, RSNs like Bally Sports face significant financial difficulties, including bankruptcy filings by their parent company, Diamond Sports Group. In response, sports teams, including the Panthers, are rethinking their media distribution strategies, looking to D2C platforms to maintain fan engagement and control over broadcast rights.
A Timely Solution for Fans
Panthers Plus is a timely offering for Florida Panthers fans who have increasingly turned to streaming over cable. For $69.99, subscribers can access 70 live games throughout the regular season, plus the first round of the playoffs if the Panthers qualify. Fans who register will also have access to a selection of in-house content ,like studio shows and original programming, free of charge.
The service launched with free streaming of the Panthers’ preseason games starting on September 27, with matchups against division rivals Carolina Hurricanes and Tampa Bay Lightning. Streaming games from any location in the Panthers’ broadcast region offers fans greater flexibility and convenience, appealing to the growing number of viewers who have cut the cord.
“For about a $1 a game, this streaming service is another great option for our fans to use as part of their regular tune-in routine,” said Panthers Chief Strategy Officer Mark Zarthar. “In addition to live games, our passionate viewers will have the chance to watch the weekly Panthers Primetime show and view Panthers content daily.”
The RSN Collapse and the Rise of Direct-to-Consumer Models
The launch of Panthers Plus aligns with a broader trend in professional sports, where teams are moving away from reliance on traditional RSNs. The collapse of the RSN model, driven by declining cable subscriptions and the rise of streaming, has forced teams to rethink how they distribute local game broadcasts. Bally Sports, one of the biggest RSN operators, has been particularly affected by this shift, with its parent company, Diamond Sports Group, filing for bankruptcy in 2023.
RSNs’ financial struggles are leaving teams with fewer options for reliable distribution, prompting a growing number of sports organizations to explore D2C streaming models. Teams like the Utah Jazz, Phoenix Suns, and Dallas Stars have already made headlines by cutting ties with RSNs and opting for more direct streaming or local broadcast partnerships.
For the Panthers, launching Panthers Plus provides t more flexible and resilient platform for delivering content directly to fans. Unlike RSNs, which are tied to cable packages, D2C services like Panthers Plus offer a direct connection between teams and viewers,without intermediaries controlling distribution. This shift also allows teams to retain more control over advertising and subscription revenues.
A Necessary Pivot for Modern Sports Broadcasting
As teams across the NHL, NBA, and MLB increasingly look to D2C models, the future of sports broadcasting is rapidly changing. These new direct solutions challenge the traditional RSN model, where fans had to pay for bundled cable packages to access their favorite teams’ games. For many teams, D2C platforms provide the opportunity to reach cord-cutting fans while avoiding the financial instability that has plagued RSNs in recent years.
However, these streaming services come with their own set of challenges. While bypassing RSNs may give teams more control over their content, they also assume the responsibility of monetization, marketing, and maintaining a high-quality user experience. Panthers Plus’s success will depend on its ability to balance accessibility with a compelling product, providing fans with a seamless and reliable way to watch live games without overloading them with ads or interruptions.
A Broader Industry Shift
The Panthers’ decision to launch Panthers Plus is part of a broader industry shift. Teams like the Dallas Stars have already launched their streaming platform, Victory+, which offers fans a free, ad-supported model in their region. Other teams, like the Utah Jazz and Phoenix Suns, have seen significant increases in viewership by moving away from RSNs and embracing more direct forms of broadcasting, whether through free local TV or streaming.
Scripps Sports partnered with the Panthers to broadcast games in the Florida region and has also been a driving force behind this shift. As teams and media companies experiment with alternative delivery models, the industry is moving toward more flexible, accessible solutions that align with modern consumer preferences. For the Panthers, Panthers Plus represents a forward-thinking strategy that acknowledges the current state of sports media while positioning the team to thrive in a post-RSN world.
ViewLift, Panthers Plus’s technology partner, has been recognized for its achievements. It was shortlisted for three SportsPro OTT Awards: Best New Platform for DIRTVision, Innovation of the Year for LIV Golf, and Platform of the Year—D2C for Italy’s Lega Nazionale Pallacanestro. This underscores ViewLift’s growing reputation in the direct-to-consumer space, where its platform powers several other professional sports streaming services.As the Florida Panthers prepare to begin their 2024-25 season with their home opener against the Boston Bruins on October 8, Panthers Plus will play a crucial role in how fans stay connected to the reigning Stanley Cup champions throughout the year. With the traditional RSN model on shaky ground, this streaming platform offers a much-needed alternative that could redefine how local sports are consumed moving forward.
