San Jose Sharks to Open Season on Streaming Platforms

The San Jose Sharks are set to begin their 2024 NHL season with a game against the St. Louis Blues at the SAP Center. In a noteworthy shift from previous seasons, the game will be broadcast exclusively on the streaming platforms Hulu and ESPN+, departing from their traditional local cable broadcaster, NBC Sports California. This move means that fans without tickets or subscriptions to these streaming services will miss out on watching the live broadcast.

The change in broadcast rights originates from ESPN’s announcement in August, detailing their NHL broadcast plans for the 2024-25 season, which features the Sharks in several nationally streamed games. Specifically, San Jose will appear exclusively on the ESPN+ and Hulu platforms three times, and on ESPN cable three additional times throughout the season. These games include marquee matchups against teams like the Nashville Predators and the Los Angeles Kings.

As of midday, only a limited number of tickets remained available for the opener against the St. Louis Blues, with prices ranging significantly from $48 for upper bowl seats to over $500 for prime positions by the glass. The Sharks confirmed that the game is anticipated to sell out, reflecting robust fan interest despite the shift in viewing access.

In their recent efforts to bolster their team, the Sharks drafted Macklin Celebrini first overall, who is expected to bring fresh talent to the ice as the team’s top-line center, alongside Tyler Toffoli and William Eklund. The strategic player additions during the offseason signal a promising future for the Sharks as they aim to improve on last season’s performance.

The St. Louis Blues approach the game with confidence following a 3-2 victory against the Seattle Kraken. Goalie Jordan Binnington was a standout performer in that match, making crucial saves to secure the win. Historically, the Sharks have had the upper hand over the Blues, winning all three encounters last season, a fact that is not lost on the St. Louis team as they prepare for a challenging game.

Fans who wish to catch more Sharks games will have to adapt to the evolving nature of sports broadcasting, opting for streaming services as traditional cable options diminish in coverage for these events. This trend reflects a broader shift in the media landscape, where digital platforms are increasingly becoming the primary means of content delivery for sports enthusiasts.