Jazz+

Ryan Kostecka

For anyone wondering what Utah's expectations were for the season, Danny Ainge made it abundantly clear Tuesday night.

"We want to be in the playoffs. … Let's get there," Ainge said during his annual season media availability.

While Ainge's proclamation may seem odd considering the goal for nearly every team in the NBA is to make the postseason, the reality is that 14 of the 30 teams in the league fall short every season.&nbsp;

When you factor in the questions surrounding the Jazz, the overall talent and depth of the Western Conference — and the fact that Utah owes a top-10 protected first round pick to Oklahoma City in the upcoming draft — it wouldn't be shocking if the goal for the season was something other than the postseason.&nbsp;

Yet that couldn't be further from the truth. And it's not just Ainge saying so.&nbsp;

"That's the goal. … That's what we're trying to work towards," Lauri Markkanen said. "That's really one thing that I'm looking forward to, getting on that stage and really experiencing that."

"We're going to come at the season like we did last year, with a really high competitive spirit," head coach Will Hardy said. "We're trying to win every night. … Whether that results in us making the playoffs or play-in, so on and so forth, we'll find out."

The good news for the Jazz is that they're starting things off on the right foot and with the right man leading the way.&nbsp;

Ainge was very complimentary of Hardy, noting the growth he's seen from a rookie coach last year to one who looks much more comfortable entering this season.&nbsp;

"I think Will has been great," he said. "I think the things he's learning are just the things you would learn as a head coach. Being a head coach is different than being an assistant coach. … All those things are things you have to learn as a head coach, and he's doing that."

Markkanen also echoed Ainge's sentiments, noting the biggest difference between last season and this one is the level of comfort between coach and star player.

"Once you get comfortable with somebody, you can talk about different things," Markkanen said. "It's been more open once we got that year under our belt and kind of know each other. … That definitely helps, and now we can really talk about anything."

As somebody who has won an NBA title as a player and executive, Ainge knows what is needed and what it takes to climb that mountain. It's why the team, armed with many assets, is not afraid to take a big swing if necessary.&nbsp;

"I believe that a lot of players can play in any system, but a lot of them need to be a right fit," he said. "I think that's a question we always ask, 'How does he fit in with us?' Some players fit in better with certain teams and have more opportunities with them. … And some teams need a specific player's expertise and greatness."

Whether or not Ainge and the Jazz pursue trades throughout the season, the end goal stays the same. But even if they come up short, it doesn't mean the season was a failure.&nbsp;

"There are different ways to measure success," Ainge said. "Last year, my expectations weren't super high, but they overachieved because of how they played and how they grew as a team."

"I think there are a lot of factors that go into success," he added. "We want to make the playoffs, we're going to set out to do that. … But there are different ways to measure success."

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“In The Playoffs” — Ainge Reiterates Postseason Goal During Annual Press Conference

Angie Treasure

Jazz+ Streaming Service Delivers Live Games, Exclusive Series, and Other On-Demand Content Directly to Local Utah Jazz Fans

With Insider Content Available Today and 80+ Live Game Streams Starting Oct. 8, Jazz+ Brings Fans Closer to the Team Than Ever, with Access Starting at $5 for Pay-Per-View Games

Annual Subscriptions Purchased By Oct. 24 Include Two Tickets to a Utah Jazz Game at Delta Center Plus a Jazz T-Shirt and Jazz Hat

Timed to coincide with the Utah Jazz’s 50th season celebration, SEG Media today launched Jazz+. This Utah Jazz-branded, direct-to-consumer subscription streaming service provides local fans with unprecedented access to the organization via live games, exclusive footage, and other new, original video-on-demand (VOD) content that highlights the best of the Jazz and the beauty of Utah – all produced by SEG Media. Jazz+ subscriptions can be purchased now by visiting UtahJazz.com/JazzPlus.

Through Jazz+, all 3.3 million plus Utahns, as well as most fans who live within the team’s broadcast footprint, which includes areas of Idaho and Wyoming, can benefit from the convenience and flexibility of catching every minute of Utah Jazz action at home or on the go.

“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,” said Ryan Smith, chairman of Smith Entertainment Group and governor of the Utah Jazz. “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.”

The expansive Jazz+ programming lineup will offer incredible value and engaging experiences through four fan-focused pillars of content:

Subscriptions to Jazz+ are available now at UtahJazz.com/JazzPlus. An annual subscription is priced at $125.50 and, at less than $1.50 per game, is the best value. Annual subscription purchases made from today through October 24 also include two upper bowl tickets to one Utah Jazz game at Delta Center during the 2023-24 season*, as well as a Jazz t-shirt and hat. A monthly subscription is available for $15.50. Annual and monthly subscriptions include access to stream live and on-demand games, as well as all other available content. A pay-per-view (PPV) option, offering single-game purchases starting at $5, will launch on Oct. 25.&nbsp;

After purchasing their preferred subscription plan at UtahJazz.com/JazzPlus, Jazz+ subscribers can log in to view live games and other content at UtahJazzPlus.com.&nbsp;

Jazz+ leverages the NBA’s Next Gen integrated digital platform and Kiswe’s cloud-based video solutions to provide a seamless and immersive streaming experience for fans.&nbsp;

Fans in the local market will also be able to watch every Utah Jazz game on local TV station KJZZ, channel 14, “The Home of the Utah Jazz,” via an over-the-air antenna or through local cable and satellite providers such as Comcast, DirecTV, or DISH that carry KJZZ.

For more information on Jazz+ or to subscribe, visit UtahJazz.com/JazzPlus.

*Restrictions apply. View the terms and conditions and the full list of available games here.

Editor’s Note: Correct reference is “Jazz+” not “Jazz Plus.”&nbsp;

Founded as the 18th member of the National Basketball Association (NBA) in 1974, and located in Salt Lake City since 1979, the Utah Jazz are committed to excellence as a team and in the community. On the court, the Jazz are the second-winningest team in the NBA over the last 30 years, having won nine division titles and two Western Conference championships along with 17 seasons of 50-plus wins, and are supported by one of the most passionate fan bases in all of sports. The Utah Jazz also operate the Junior Jazz program, the largest and longest-running youth basketball league in the NBA, featuring more than 60,000 players and an additional 13,000 volunteers who take part annually across six states. For more information on the Utah Jazz, an entity of Smith Entertainment Group, visit www.utahjazz.com.

SEG Media is the sports media division of Smith Entertainment Group (SEG) that launched in June 2023. SEG Media produces all Utah Jazz games and other behind-the-scenes team content and distributes those assets across over-the-air, local TV channels; UtahJazz.com; Jazz+, a Utah Jazz-branded, direct-to-consumer (DTC) streaming service; and the Zone Sports Radio Network. SEG Media’s future plans include producing and distributing content for other SEG entities and external partners.&nbsp;

Smith Entertainment Group (SEG) is a sports, entertainment, real estate, and technology investment group focused primarily on the state of Utah. SEG’s portfolio includes the Utah Jazz (NBA), Delta Center, SEG Media, Real Salt Lake (MLS), the Utah Royals (NWSL - coming in 2024), America First Credit Union Field, Salt Lake City Stars (NBA G League), Utah Jazz Gaming (NBA 2K League), Real Monarchs (MLS NEXT Pro), and other Utah-centric business ventures.&nbsp;

seg-media-launches-jazz

SEG Media Launches Jazz+

Revealed on Wednesday morning, SEG Media announced the launch of Jazz+, a Utah Jazz-branded, direct-to-consumer subscription streaming service that provides local fans unprecedented access to the organization. That access includes live games, exclusive footage, and other new, original video-on-demand (VOD) content that highlights the best of the Jazz and the beauty of Utah.

"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," said Ryan Smith, chairman of Smith Entertainment Group and governor of the Utah Jazz. "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."

Jazz+ subscriptions can be purchased now by visiting UtahJazz.com/JazzPlus.

Have you ever wondered what Jazz players do before the game? What sort of meals do they eat postgame? What are some of their favorite restaurants in the valley? What are the coaches like off the court? All those answers — and so much more — will be available to only subscribers of Jazz+.&nbsp;

Here are some things to look forward to following the launch of Jazz+.

1.) Shoot The ShotOne of the debut pieces of content is a free throw competition that pits Jazz head coach Will Hardy against Smith. While the competition is exciting, the best part of the video is Hardy taking the reins as an interviewer and asking Smith random get-to-know-you questions. And for those wondering how competitive Hardy is, this is a phenomenal look at how badly the head coach hates to lose. 

2.) Sights And BitesJazz Digital Reporter and Producer Nayo Campbell gives fans a blueprint for how to make the most of your game night. For those traveling into downtown Salt Lake City for a game who want to make a night of it, Campbell shows off some eateries and watering holes within walking distance of Delta Center 

3.) The Rookies | Day OneHave you ever wondered what it was like for Utah first-round draft picks Taylor Hendricks, Keyonte George, and Brice Sensabaugh to arrive in Salt Lake City for the first time? Well, the cameras take fans on a behind-the-scenes journey with the rookies on their first day with the team. 

4.) Road Trip | Walker KesslerEmerging as a fan favorite personality in his rookie season, Utah's digital team went behind the scenes with Walker Kessler as he traveled the beautiful state of Utah during the annual Jr. Jazz road trip. Included in the trip was the 7-footer visiting a national park, hanging out with the youth of Jazz Nation, snacking at a local restaurant in Southern Utah, and fans getting to tell the now sophomore center how much they’ve enjoyed watching him play in Utah.

To view all these incredible videos and more, make sure to subscribe.&nbsp;

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"Creating The Best Fan Experience" | Jazz+ Gives Fans Access To Go Behind The Scenes And Much More

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Delta

<strong>Tonight's game against the Golden State Warriors has been postponed. <a href="https://www.nba.com/jazz/news/utah-jazz-vs-golden-state-warriors-postponed">Learn More &gt;</a></strong>