Lightning Strike: New Media Partnership Reshapes How Fans Watch NHL Hockey in Tampa Bay

2025-12-31 10:57:01

Tampa Bay Lightning fans are about to get a major upgrade to their viewing experience. The team has just announced a groundbreaking multi-year media rights partnership with Scripps Sports, transforming how locals can access games starting in the 2025-26 NHL season. What makes this deal stand out? It’s the first time fans will have seamless access across multiple platforms—cable, satellite, free broadcast television, and a brand-new streaming option built directly into the Lightning app.

Free Over-the-Air Access Gets Real

The centerpiece of this agreement is the launch of a new local station, WXPX-TV, branded as “The Spot – Tampa Bay 66,” arriving on July 1. Unlike traditional restrictive media agreements, this station will broadcast all preseason, regular season, and first-round playoff Lightning games that aren’t locked into national TV deals. Scripps Sports, which already owns WFTS-ABC Action News in Tampa, is positioning this as a game-changer for accessibility. For years, hockey fans have complained about fragmented viewing options. Now, they simply tune in to The Spot—no cable subscription needed.

Streaming Powers Up the Experience

But free TV is just the opening act. The partnership introduces a cutting-edge direct-to-consumer streaming platform within the Lightning’s mobile app, powered by ViewLift’s technology. Bolts fans throughout the broadcast territory can livestream every game on their phones, tablets, or connected devices. This hybrid approach—combining traditional broadcasting with modern streaming—acknowledges how fans actually consume sports today. Whether someone’s at home, at work, or anywhere in the Tampa Bay area, they have options.

What This Means for the Broader Sports Landscape

Scripps Sports has already built similar NHL partnerships with the Vegas Golden Knights, Florida Panthers, and Utah Mammoth, suggesting this is part of a larger strategy to reshape regional sports media. The company is actively negotiating with cable and satellite distributors to ensure Lightning games appear on their platforms, too. Rick Allen, CEO of ViewLift, highlighted the significance: enabling fans across multiple devices and formats is the future of sports distribution.

The Lightning’s Play

From the Lightning’s perspective, led by Vinik Sports Group, this isn’t just about broadcasting games—it’s about fan engagement. Steve Griggs, CEO of Vinik Sports Group, emphasized that fans have been clear: they want easy access. This partnership directly addresses that demand, potentially expanding the fanbase beyond traditional cable holdouts. For a three-time Stanley Cup champion program (2004, 2020, 2021), keeping the momentum alive includes bringing the on-ice action to more households.

Why This Matters

The shift toward multi-platform broadcasting reflects how sports media is evolving. Fixed cable contracts are becoming obsolete. Forward-thinking organizations bundle free access, subscription options, and streaming to maximize viewership. The Lightning’s deal with Scripps Sports isn’t just a local story—it’s a template other NHL teams and sports franchises will likely study closely.

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