The National Hockey League (NHL) has announced the launch of new connected TV (CTV) apps for its streaming service, NHL.TV, and its free-to-play gaming platform, NHL Hat Trick Challenge. The apps are designed to provide fans with more ways to watch live games, access exclusive content, and interact with the league and other fans.
New Features And Benefits Of The CTV Apps
The new CTV apps are available on Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, and Apple TV devices. They offer several features and benefits for fans, such as:
- Live and on-demand streaming of NHL games: Fans can watch up to four games at once with the NHL.TV app, or choose from a library of archived games and highlights. The app also supports 60 frames per second (fps) streaming, which delivers smoother and clearer video quality.
- Personalized recommendations and notifications: Fans can customize their viewing preferences and receive alerts for their favorite teams, players, and games. The app also suggests relevant content based on the fan’s interests and behavior.
- Interactive gaming and rewards: Fans can participate in the NHL Hat Trick Challenge, a free-to-play game that allows them to predict the outcomes of three questions for each NHL game. Fans can earn points and badges, compete with other fans, and win prizes such as NHL merchandise and tickets.
- Exclusive content and access: Fans can enjoy original programming and documentaries from the NHL, as well as behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with players and coaches. The app also features live and archived events from the NHL Network, such as the NHL Draft, the NHL Awards, and the NHL All-Star Game.
How The CTV Apps Support The NHL’s Digital Transformation Strategy
The launch of the new CTV apps is part of the NHL’s digital transformation strategy, which aims to leverage technology to enhance fan engagement and generate new revenue streams. The NHL has been investing in various digital initiatives, such as:
- Partnering with AWS: The NHL has partnered with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to create a cloud-based platform that will power its media and fan experiences. The platform will use artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to provide advanced statistics, analytics, and insights for fans, broadcasters, and teams.
- Expanding its global reach: The NHL has expanded its international presence by launching new digital platforms and partnerships in key markets, such as China, Germany, and Sweden. The league has also increased its global fan base by hosting regular-season games and preseason events in various countries, such as Finland, Switzerland, and Czech Republic.
- Innovating its broadcast and production: The NHL has innovated its broadcast and production capabilities by using 4K cameras, 360-degree video, and augmented reality (AR) to deliver immersive and interactive experiences for fans. The league has also experimented with new formats and platforms, such as social media, podcasts, and esports.
Why The CTV Apps Are Important For The Sports Industry
The CTV apps are important for the sports industry because they reflect the changing consumer behavior and preferences in the digital era. According to a report by Conviva, CTV devices accounted for 73% of all streaming hours in the first quarter of 2021, up from 51% in the same period in 2020. The report also found that sports streaming increased by 68% year-over-year in the first quarter of 2021, driven by the return of live events and the popularity of niche sports.
The CTV apps also demonstrate the potential of CTV as a platform for sports content and advertising. According to a report by eMarketer, US advertisers will spend more than $26 billion on CTV in 2023, and a projected $31 billion in 2024. The report also predicts that sports will be one of the main drivers of CTV ad spending, as more sports leagues and networks adopt CTV as a distribution channel.
The CTV apps also show the importance of CTV as a tool for fan engagement and retention. According to a report by Adobe, CTV users are more likely to be loyal and engaged with the content they watch, as they spend more time and money on streaming services. The report also suggests that CTV users are more likely to interact with the content they watch, as they use features such as voice control, search, and recommendations.
