Monumental Sports & Entertainment announced on Monday that they are getting into the live alternate broadcast business.
The TV and streaming channel will air alt-casts for select Washington Capitals and Wizards games, giving fans a non-classical and more conversational way to watch games. The alt-casts will be available on live TV airing on Monumental Sports Network 2 (MNMT2) and “via Monumental’s digital streaming platform within the network’s footprint.”
Today @MonSportsNet announced a slate of live alternate broadcasts for select @Capitals and @WashWizards games, bringing viewers a new and innovative show format available starting this Thursday, April 4th.
— Monumental Sports & Entertainment (@MSE) April 1, 2024
The alternate broadcasts will follow a format similar to ESPN’s “ManningCast” broadcasts and will feature a rotation of engaging and knowledgeable hosts, analysts, and special guests. Viewers will be treated to real-time analysis of the live games and engaging conversation about the Capitals and Wizards and other hot topics around the NBA and NHL, featuring live data and stats with a dynamic L Bar presentation on screen.
ManningCasts feature the brotherly duo of Peyton Manning and Eli Manning making observations and bringing personality during Monday Night Football games. Their first alt-cast was September 13, 2021 between the Las Vegas Raiders and Baltimore Ravens.
Grant Paulsen (106.7 The Fan), Devante Smith-Pelly (2018 Stanley Cup champion), Bruce Boudreau (former Capitals and Bears coach), and Tarik El-Bashir (Monumental Sports Network) will be the “regularly appearing talent” for the Capitals alternate broadcasts while Wizards’ alt-casts will feature JP Finlay (106.7 The Fan), Jason Smith (former Wizards center), Steve Buckhantz (former Wizards play-by-play announcer), and Greivis Vásquez (UMD basketball alumnus).
Monumental will air five different Capitals’ alt-casts beginning on April 4 against the Pittsburgh Penguins and three for the Wizards.
Washington Capitals alt-cast schedule
- April 4 at 7 pm against Pittsburgh Penguins
- April 11 at 7 pm against Buffalo Sabres
- April 13 at 5:30 pm against Tampa Bay Lightning
- April 15 at 7 pm against Boston Bruins
- April 16 at 7 pm against Philadelphia Flyers
Washington Wizards alt-cast schedule
- April 9 at 8 pm against Minnesota Timberwolves
- April 12 at 7 pm against Chicago Bulls
- April 14 at 1 pm against Boston Celtics
“We’re excited to experiment with new alternate broadcast formats for our fanbase,” Zach Leonsis said in a statement. “This complimentary live viewing experience demonstrates our commitment to doing more with our live rights than ever before while also super serving our fanbase.”
He added, “Our new production facility and studio grant us the opportunity to innovate around the live viewing experience for our fans. I believe that these initial alternate broadcasts are only a precursor to what will be developed as soon as next season.”
Thoughts? Let us know in the comments.
