"Launching this new platform is about more than streaming games. It's about reimagining how Lightning fans connect with their team," said Chris Overholt, Chief Commercial Officer of the Tampa Bay Lightning. "We're creating a direct connection that puts fans in control, giving them the flexibility to watch anytime, anywhere, on the device that they use most. This is just the beginning of how we plan to innovate and deliver an even more interactive experience to the game our fans love."
This marks the first time the Lightning have introduced a team-owned DTC streaming option, underscoring the franchise's commitment to innovation and fan accessibility. With more fans than ever choosing streaming over traditional linear TV, this solution is designed to meet the needs of the next generation of Lightning fans, digital-first viewers who want to follow their team with the flexibility they expect. Future updates will include enhanced fan engagement features for a more immersive viewing experience.
"The Lightning are three-time Stanley Cup Champions," noted Rick Allen, ViewLift's CEO. "Two of those Championships have come in the last 8 years – so it's particularly appropriate to welcome them to the streaming home of NHL Champions, ViewLift: our clients have won 7 of the last 8 Cups. Tampa Bay's passionate fans can now stream all locally-carried games live, and will soon enjoy a suite of new personalized features to enhance their fan experience. We are looking forward to that, and to our third opportunity to work with Scripps Sports as an NHL team's linear partner."
Fans can subscribe at $66.00 for the 2025-2026 season directly through the Lightning's new platform at TBLightning.tv.
About Vinik Sports Group
Vinik Sports Group (VSG) is an entity established by Jeff Vinik to manage the three-time Stanley Cup Champion Tampa Bay Lightning (2004, 2020, 2021) of the National Hockey League and hold the leasehold rights to Benchmark International Arena, the 19,092-seat downtown Tampa home in which the team plays its games. The venue opened in 1996 and became Benchmark International Arena in August 2025 when the global mergers and acquisitions firm, Benchmark International, partnered with Vinik and the Lightning. Since2010, Vinik has led a complete brand and business transformation of the Lightning and the arena, featuring a mostly private renovation of the publicly owned facility. Doug Ostrover and Marc Lipschultz joined the expanded ownership group of Vinik Sports Group in 2024, alongside Arctos, which initially joined in 2021. In addition to owning the Lightning and managing Benchmark International Arena, Vinik Sports Group, through TBSE, manages the Yuengling Center on the campus at the University of South Florida.
About ViewLift
ViewLift is a technology company providing digital solutions for content owners, with particular expertise in live and on-demand video distribution. With proprietary cloud-based technology, ViewLift powers digital platforms for sports, media, and entertainment brands worldwide. Its services include content management, multi-platform distribution, real-time analytics, viewer engagement tools, and flexible monetization models (AVOD, SVOD, TVOD, and hybrid models). ViewLift enables content owners to maximize audience engagement and revenue through a seamless, scalable streaming experience. In addition to the Tampa Bay Lightning, ViewLift's sports clients include the National Hockey League, a total of 16 US top professional sports teams; LIV Golf; six Regional Sports Networks; the Professional Fighters League; the World Racing Group and others. The company's media clients include Versant; TEGNA; and Kroenke Sports & Entertainment's MOTV.
For more information about ViewLift, visit www.viewlift.com.
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ViewLift
Mahesh Kumar
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SOURCE ViewLift
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