The ECHL is preparing to go to market with its digital media rights next year.
The league, with 26 teams in the U.S. and one in Canada, sits below the NHL and American Hockey League among pro hockey leagues in North America. It is in the last year of its deal with NeuLion, said Commissioner Brian McKenna. The league signed a three-year deal with NeuLion, which provides a streaming and on-demand platform for all ECHL games, before the 2014-15 season.
McKenna said the league is evaluating the value for those streaming rights, but also is looking to expand the deal to include additional digital media rights. The ECHL has been working with digital agency Lightmaker on what a new digital platform for the league could look like, including additional content, highlights and video available to be shared on social platforms.
While the league’s teams have local media rights deals, McKenna said he’s not pushing for linear coverage of the league on a national level and is focused on digital expansion.
McKenna declined to comment on potential partners.
The ECHL also is in the market for more national sponsors, McKenna said, adding that title sponsorship for its Kelly Cup playoffs are being shopped and the league is considering selling space on the netting that surrounds the rink. The ECHL also allows for jersey sponsorship that is limited to a 3-by-4-inch patch, which a number of the league’s teams have sold. McKenna said he would be open to a leaguewide deal.
The league handles most of its sponsorship deals in-house, though it has worked with Denver-based Impression Sports & Entertainment.
