Sharks Announce New Broadcast Homes for 2024-25 Season
Exciting news for San Jose Sharks fans across the Bay Area! The team has officially unveiled its new television and streaming broadcast partners for the upcoming 2024-25 season, promising enhanced accessibility and viewing options. This significant change aims to bring Sharks hockey to more local households than ever before, marking a new era for how fans will tune into live games and related content.
A New Era for Sharks Broadcasts: Wider Reach for Local Fans
The San Jose Sharks are shaking up their broadcast strategy, moving away from traditional regional sports networks to embrace a more hybrid approach. This pivot is designed to cater to modern viewing habits, ensuring a wider reach and more accessible viewing options for their dedicated Bay Area fanbase, whether you’re a cable subscriber or a cord-cutter.
Free Over-the-Air Access with KRON4
A major highlight of the new partnership is the availability of a significant number of Sharks games live, free over-the-air on KRON4 for local viewers. This groundbreaking move ensures that Bay Area residents with an antenna can access approximately 70 regular season games without a cable subscription, making NHL hockey more accessible to the community. KRON4 will serve as the primary local broadcast home, bringing high-definition Sharks action directly into homes across the region.
Comprehensive Streaming and Regional Coverage via SharksPass
For fans seeking the most comprehensive coverage, the Sharks are launching “SharksPass,” a new direct-to-consumer streaming service. This platform will provide access to all non-nationally televised games, including those not airing on KRON4, along with exclusive team content, behind-the-scenes access, and classic game replays. SharksPass will be available through a dedicated app on various smart devices and web browsers, offering a premium, flexible viewing experience. Additionally, a select number of games will still be carried on a regional sports network (e.g., an affiliate of Scripps Sports) for traditional cable subscribers, ensuring a familiar option for a portion of the schedule.
Why the Change? Enhancing Fan Engagement
This strategic shift in broadcast partnerships reflects the team’s commitment to innovation and fan-centric accessibility. The goal is clear: to remove barriers and make San Jose Sharks hockey as easy to watch as possible for everyone in the Bay Area, adapting to the rapidly evolving media landscape.
Prioritizing Fan Accessibility
The primary driver behind this move is to maximize accessibility for the Sharks’ passionate fanbase. By putting a large portion of games on free, over-the-air television, the organization directly addresses the growing number of households that have moved away from traditional cable subscriptions. This strategy aims to expand the local fanbase by making the sport available to a broader audience who might not otherwise have access.
Embracing the Digital Future
The introduction of SharksPass also acknowledges the rapid growth of digital streaming and the demand for flexible viewing options. Modern sports fans increasingly prefer personalized and on-demand content. A direct-to-consumer platform allows the Sharks to offer a richer, more integrated experience beyond just live game broadcasts, providing deeper engagement with the team and its players.
Implications for San Jose Bay Area Fans
For long-time supporters and new fans alike, understanding these changes is key to enjoying every minute of the upcoming season. The Sharks are aiming for a seamless transition, but a few simple steps might be necessary to ensure you don’t miss a single face-off.
What You Need to Do
Bay Area residents who rely on an antenna should rescan their televisions to ensure KRON4 is properly tuned in before the season begins. For those interested in the full Sharks experience and flexible streaming, exploring the SharksPass subscription options will be essential. Traditional cable subscribers should check their local listings for the limited games expected on the regional sports network.
Navigating Blackouts and National Games
While the new local broadcast partners cover the vast majority of games, it’s important to remember that nationally televised matchups (e.g., on ESPN or TNT) will still be subject to standard league-wide blackout rules. These games will be available on their respective national networks, and may not be simulcast on KRON4 or SharksPass. Keep an eye on the official Sharks schedule for details on these specific broadcasts.
Familiar Voices Remain in the Booth
Fans will be pleased to know that the beloved Sharks broadcast team, including the iconic play-by-play announcer Randy Hahn and color analyst Drew Remenda, is expected to continue bringing their expert commentary and passionate insights to the new broadcast homes. Their familiar voices will ensure a sense of continuity as the team transitions to its new viewing platforms.
Sharks Viewing Options for 2024-25 Season
| Viewing Method | Cost | Games Covered (Approx.) | Key Features for Local Fans |
|---|---|---|---|
| KRON4 (Over-the-Air) | Free (with antenna) | 70 Regular Season Games | Accessible, high-definition local broadcast; no cable subscription needed. |
| SharksPass (Streaming) | Monthly or Annual Fee | All Non-National Games | Direct-to-consumer app, exclusive content, on-demand replays, multi-device support. |
| Regional Cable Network | Included with Cable TV Package | Limited (e.g., 10-15 games) | Traditional cable access for a portion of the schedule on a specific regional sports channel. |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Will I still need a cable subscription to watch Sharks games?
No, a significant majority of Sharks games (approx. 70) will be available free over-the-air on KRON4, meaning you only need a TV antenna. For full coverage, the SharksPass streaming service is another option. - What is SharksPass and how do I get it?
SharksPass is the team’s new direct-to-consumer streaming service. It will be available through a dedicated app on smart devices and web browsers, likely with monthly or annual subscription options. Details on pricing and launch will be announced soon. - Will the broadcast team be changing?
No, the familiar and beloved San Jose Sharks broadcast team, including Randy Hahn and Drew Remenda, is expected to remain with the team’s new broadcast partners, ensuring consistent, high-quality commentary. - How many games will be available on KRON4?
Approximately 70 regular season games are slated to be broadcast live and free over-the-air on KRON4 for Bay Area viewers, offering extensive coverage. - When do these new broadcast arrangements begin?
These new partnerships and viewing options will officially begin with the start of the 2024-25 NHL regular season.
This comprehensive new broadcast strategy for the San Jose Sharks offers unprecedented flexibility and access for Bay Area fans. Whether you prefer free over-the-air television or a dedicated streaming service, staying connected to your favorite team has never been easier, setting the stage for an exciting and accessible hockey season.
Sharks Get New TV Homes for Wider Bay Area Reach