By Brandon Costa, Director of Digital
Thursday, December 1, 2022 - 10:27 am
Print This Story | Subscribe
Story Highlights
The National Hockey League has debuted its first-ever NHL FAST (free ad-supported streaming) channel. The NHL FAST channel can be found on channel 216 on The Roku Channel in the United States. It was announced by the league on Thursday.
The NHL’s FAST channel technology partner is Amagi, a vendor specializing in cloud-based SaaS technology for FAST, broadcast playout in the cloud and global distribution to connected devices.
According to the league’s announcement:
“The NHL FAST channel willfeature specially curated NHL content including the latest NHL game highlights, classic condensed games including memorable Stanley Cup Playoffs, Stanley Cup Final, and NHL All-Star games, plus an assortment of archived programming that captures the excitement of the NHL. The NHL FAST channel will also feature hundreds of hours of NHL Original Productions programming such as, “Welcome to the NHL” and “NHL Bound”, and other engaging content and documentaries featuring the greatest Players, Clubs, and personalities in NHL history.”
“The NHL FAST Channel is an exciting addition to our content distribution portfolio that will serve quality NHL content to a broader audience, a vital component in expanding the reach of our game and growing our fanbase,” saidChris Foster, NHL VP, Digital Business Development. “We are thrilled to work with Roku on this new service to deliver a unique and creative NHL programming experience. The NHL Fast Channel will be an always-on destination for passionate NHL fans in the United States who are constantly looking to get their fix of dynamic NHL content.”
The NHL FAST Channel will also showcase special event-focused content leading into tentpoles likethe 2023 Discover NHL Winter Classic.
“The Roku Channel is delighted to be the inaugural partner of the NHL as the League makes its exciting expansion into FAST. We look forward to working with the NHL to further broaden its audience by connecting this brand-new channel to our robust audience made up of millions of streamers,” saidAshley Hovey, Head of The Roku Channel, AVOD. “Sports is a valuable content category for consumers, and we are thrilled to provide free and easy access to programming from one of the most popular Leagues in all of professional sports to our audience.”
The NHL FAST channel will be available on additional platforms in the coming months.
The Roku Channel is available for audiences to stream for free via Roku devices, on the Web, iOS and Android devices, Amazon Fire TV, and select Samsung TVs.
As a seasoned expert in the realm of sports media and digital content distribution, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to dissect and elaborate on the recent development in the National Hockey League's (NHL) foray into the free ad-supported streaming (FAST) landscape. My expertise stems from a comprehensive understanding of the convergence between sports, technology, and media distribution, making me well-equipped to analyze the intricacies of the NHL FAST channel launch.
The NHL's strategic move into the FAST domain is indicative of the evolving dynamics in sports broadcasting, aligning with the industry's shift towards digital platforms and on-demand content consumption. The league's choice of technology partner, Amagi, a reputable vendor specializing in cloud-based SaaS technology for FAST, broadcast playout in the cloud, and global distribution to connected devices, underscores a commitment to cutting-edge solutions.
The NHL FAST channel, residing on channel 216 on The Roku Channel in the United States, signifies a pivotal step in the league's digital transformation. The collaboration with Roku, a prominent streaming platform, further amplifies the initiative's significance. My knowledge extends to recognizing the impact of such partnerships on audience reach, given Roku's extensive user base.
The content strategy outlined in the league's announcement sheds light on the thoughtfulness behind the NHL FAST channel. The curated content spans a spectrum, encompassing the latest game highlights, classic condensed games (including iconic moments from the Stanley Cup Playoffs and Finals), and a diverse array of archived programming capturing the essence of the NHL. Notably, the channel boasts original productions such as "Welcome to the NHL" and "NHL Bound," presenting a comprehensive and engaging package for fans.
Chris Foster, NHL VP of Digital Business Development, emphasizes the strategic importance of the NHL FAST channel in expanding the league's reach and growing its fanbase. Such insights underscore the broader industry trend where sports leagues leverage digital platforms to engage audiences beyond traditional broadcasting.
The mention of special event-focused content leading into significant milestones like the 2023 Discover NHL Winter Classic positions the NHL FAST channel as a dynamic platform, capitalizing on the appeal of special events to attract and retain viewership.
In conclusion, the NHL FAST channel launch is a well-crafted strategic move, leveraging the expertise of Amagi and the reach of The Roku Channel. The comprehensive content strategy, commitment to quality programming, and emphasis on expanding the fanbase underscore the NHL's commitment to staying at the forefront of digital sports media distribution.
For those eager to access the NHL FAST channel, it's worth noting that the channel is currently available on The Roku Channel (channel 216) and will be expanding to additional platforms in the coming months. The accessibility across various devices, including Roku devices, web browsers, iOS and Android devices, Amazon Fire TV, and select Samsung TVs, ensures a broad and inclusive reach for passionate NHL fans in the United States.
