The Tampa Bay Lightning have signed a multi-year media rights agreement with Scripps Sports, allowing fans across the Tampa Bay Area to watch games for free, beginning with the 2025-26 NHL season this fall. Under the agreement, Scripps will produce and distribute all Lightning preseason, regular season and first-round playoff games not picked up by national broadcasters such as ESPN or TNT.
As part of the new deal, Scripps will launch a second full-power local station in the Tampa-St. Petersburg market — WXPX-TV — which will serve as the Lightning’s new broadcast home. The station, branded “The Spot – Tampa Bay 66,” will debut July 1, featuring news and entertainment programming in addition to exclusive local Lightning broadcasts.
“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,” said 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.”
To further expand access, Scripps is in discussions with cable and satellite providers to carry the channel, ensuring the games will be available not just over the air, but also on cable and satellite systems.
Vinik Sports Group CEO Steve Griggs echoed the enthusiasm, noting that the move reflects the organization’s commitment to accessibility.
“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,” Griggs said. “This partnership delivers on that. We’re looking forward to working with Brian Lawlor and the Scripps Sports team to expand our reach and bring the excitement of Lightning hockey to more homes across Tampa Bay.”
Additionally, the Lightning and Scripps Sports plan to introduce a new direct-to-consumer streaming experience. Powered by ViewLift, fans will be able to livestream games within the official Lightning app throughout the team’s regional broadcast territory. Further details will be released ahead of the upcoming season.
Rick Allen, CEO of ViewLift, emphasized the importance of seamless digital access. “We will make it easy for Bolts fans to stream games through their existing Lightning mobile apps and new apps on far more devices, helping the Lightning bring on-ice action and behind-the-scenes information and experiences to fans of all ages, at home or on the move.”
Scripps Sports also holds local NHL media rights to the Vegas Golden Knights, Florida Panthers and Utah Mammoth.
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