Lightning and Scripps Sports partnership makes games more accessible to fans in Tampa Bay and beyond with new over-the-air station and low-cost streaming option.
The Tampa Bay Lightning and Scripps Sports have announced a groundbreaking new media rights partnership that will make game broadcasts for the 2025-26 season more accessible to fans than ever before. The deal includes over-the-air broadcasts on a new local station, cable, and a new low-cost streaming option, ensuring that virtually all households in the Tampa Bay area can tune in.
The main broadcast home for the Lightning will now be The Spot – Tampa Bay 66, a new full-power local station launched by Scripps, which also owns Tampa Bay 28. This move expands the reach of Bolts games, allowing them to be viewed for free with a simple antenna. The new station will also feature news and entertainment programming alongside all locally produced Lightning games.
For fans who have cut the cord, the Lightning is launching an innovative new direct-to-consumer streaming product through the existing Lightning app. The subscription service will cost just $66 for the entire season, making it less than a dollar per game. Fans can subscribe on their computer or mobile app and stream on smart TV platforms like Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV.
This new distribution strategy isn’t limited to the Tampa Bay area. Games will also be available via local broadcast in markets including Orlando, Gainesville, Tallahassee, and Pensacola.
Familiar Faces Return to the Booth
Lightning fans will recognize the familiar voices and faces of their broadcast team, with Dave Randorf on play-by-play and Brian Engblom as color analyst. Gabby Shirley will continue her rinkside reporting, while Paul Kennedy returns as the studio host. In a star-studded addition to the analysis team, former Lightning greats Pat Maroon and Ryan Malone will join returning analysts Dave Andreychuk, Braydon Coburn, and Adam Hall.
Beyond the expanded talent, fans can expect significant production enhancements. Scripps Sports will produce all game broadcasts, including new studio demonstration areas, fan interactions on Ford Thunder Alley, and digital fan integration. The partnership will also air Emmy Award-winning original content such as Recharge and Bolts Beginnings, providing fans with unique insights into the team.
To help fans navigate the new options, the Lightning encourages them to visit a dedicated section of their website at TampaBayLightning.com/HowtoWatch, which features how-to-watch videos, channel listings, and streaming sign-up information.
To kick off the new era, the Lightning will broadcast all seven of their preseason games. The first two games will be available exclusively via streaming on the team’s website, with the remaining five being broadcast on the new Scripps platform.
READ: Tampa Bay Lightning Unveil Benchmark International Arena In Major Naming Rights Deal
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