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SALT LAKE CITY — On the eve of last season's home opener, Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith made a promise: By the time the 2023-24 season rolled around, there would be better streaming options for local Jazz fans to see their team.
"Streaming is super important," Smith said at the time. "I think it's the future, and we all know that."
The future, at long last, has arrived.
The team announced Jazz+ Wednesday, a direct-to-consumer steaming platform that will feature live games, full-length replays, and a content library.
"Creating the best fan experience is top of mind in everything we do. This season, we have so many reasons to celebrate being a Utah Jazz fan — from the return of Delta Center and our 50th anniversary season to the launch of Jazz+ and the ability for anyone in Utah to watch Jazz games on KJZZ," Smith said in a statement. "With Jazz+, we have created 24/7 digital access to the team. We are so excited that all Utahns can be with us for every minute of the action."
Along with mobile and web devices, the service will be available with Android TV, Apple TV, Roku and Samsung.
The Jazz have now joined the Los Angeles Clippers and Phoenix Suns as the only teams to host their own streaming services.
Here are the details of Jazz+:
What will it cost?
There will be three price points — an annual or monthly subscription, and a single-game option.
- The annual subscription will cost $125.50. Those who sign up for the full year by Oct. 24 will also receive two upper bowl tickets to a home game, as well a T-shirt and hat.
- The monthly subscription will be $15.50.
- Individual games will have dynamic pricing and start at $5.
Can you watch outside of Utah?
The streaming service will be confined to those in the Jazz's local broadcast territory (all of Utah and parts of Idaho and Wyoming). But while most out-of-state fans will still have to rely on NBA League Pass, the Jazz has set it up so that fans that are traveling can still have access to games. The Jazz worked with the NBA to allow a 30-day grace period for fans who are traveling domestically.
So fans on business trips, family vacations or quick weekend getaways can still catch games on Jazz+ outside of Utah.
What about blackouts?
All non-nationally televised games will be available on Jazz+, so if the game is not on ESPN or TNT, it can be streamed.
The Jazz currently have two such games on their schedule: Nov. 17 vs. the Phoenix Suns (ESPN) and Nov. 21 at the Los Angeles Lakers (TNT).
What other type of content will there be?
The service will launch with 10 pieces of original content, including "Shoot your Shot with coach Hardy," an interview-style shooting competition with special guests; and "Utah Sights & Bites," a look at player- and fan-favorite spots in Utah.
The team will also have alternative broadcasts during select games. For example, during "decade night" games, Thurl Bailey will call a game with another former Jazz player.
Jazz+ will also have a feature to easily switch between the English and Spanish language calls.
