TAMPA, Fla. – In a move sure to electrify the fanbase, the Tampa Bay Lightning announced today a groundbreaking multi-year media rights agreement with Scripps Sports. This partnership will make all locally produced Lightning hockey games, including preseason, regular season, and the first round of the playoffs not nationally televised, available free of charge to fans across the Tampa Bay region starting with the 2025-26 NHL season.
The landmark deal, revealed this morning, designates The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) as the official television home of the Lightning. Scripps, already a familiar presence in the market as the owner of ABC Action News, will launch a new full-power local station, WXPX-TV, Channel 66, to broadcast the games.
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This new station will be branded “The Spot – Tampa Bay 66” and is set to launch on July 1st, featuring a mix of news, entertainment, and, crucially, all locally produced Lightning matchups.
“We’re excited to announce Scripps Sports as the new media partner of the Tampa Bay Lightning,” said Vinik Sports Group CEO Steve Griggs. “A world-class fan experience starts with access, and fans have made it clear they want it to be easier to find and watch our games. This partnership delivers on that.”
Griggs also expressed gratitude to the outgoing partner, FanDuel Sports, for their past collaboration.
Scripps is actively engaged in discussions with cable and satellite providers to ensure that Lightning games on “The Spot – Tampa Bay 66” will be readily accessible through these platforms, in addition to free over-the-air viewing. Details regarding television programming and channel information for fans outside the immediate Tampa Bay market will be released prior to the commencement of the 2025-26 season.
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Adding another layer of accessibility, the Lightning and Scripps Sports will introduce an innovative live-streaming option through the official Lightning app, presented by Spectrum and powered by ViewLift. This will allow fans within the team’s broadcast territory to stream games directly to their devices. Further details on this direct-to-consumer streaming experience are expected before the next season begins.
Fans can also rejoice in the continuity of the broadcast team. The familiar voices and faces of Dave Randorf (play-by-play), Brian Engblom (color analyst), and Gabby Shirley (rinkside reporter) will continue to bring the action to their screens, now under the Scripps Sports banner. Additionally, the partnership will produce co-created original content offering fans unique behind-the-scenes access to the team and its players.
“The Tampa Bay Lightning are one of the best teams in the NHL, and Bolts fans deserve easy access to all their games via cable, satellite, free over-the-air, and streaming,” stated Brian Lawlor, President of Scripps Sports. “The complement of broadcast television and streaming guarantees that fans can follow the games from their living room or wherever they are in their busy lives. We look forward to sharing many winning moments with one of the league’s most loyal fan bases.”
This agreement positions the Tampa Bay Lightning alongside other NHL teams like the Vegas Golden Knights and Florida Panthers, who have also partnered with Scripps Sports for similar media rights deals.
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