The Dallas Stars are taking their games into the streaming world.
The Stars announced a seven-year deal with A Parent Media to launch the streaming platform after parting ways with Diamond Sports Group, owner of Bally Sports Network.
Under the terms of the deal, all Stars games that aren’t broadcast nationally will be streamed on a direct-to-consumer service called Victory+. Dallas is the first major men’s sports team in the U.S. to transition its local broadcasts from a local sports network (RSN) to a streamer, according to Sportico.
Starz said Victory+ will be a free, ad-supported service.
“After years of researching the right solution and careful planning with our partners at APMC, we are proud to announce this pioneering streaming platform that will literally change sports distribution on VICTORY+,” Stars president and CEO Brad Alberts said in a news release. “Our top priority has always been our fan base, and with VICTORY+, fans will be able to stream Stars content 100% free through this innovative and unique streaming platform for sports programming.”
The club’s local coverage was previously carried by Bally Sports Southwest, a Fox Sports branded RSN.
The Stars join the Vegas Golden Knights, Utah Hockey Club (formerly the Arizona Coyotes) and Florida Panthers as NHL teams leaving Diamond Sports Group after 2023 and pursuing other broadcast deals.