Sports Streaming: A New Era for Fans and Broadcasters
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has opened a public comment period to examine how live sports are moving from traditional television to online streaming services. This initiative reflects a growing trend in which fans must navigate multiple platforms just to catch their favorite games.
Key Questions for the Public
Broadcast Rights
How do recent changes in the sports media market affect broadcasters’ ability to secure rights?Viewer Access
What impact does this shift have on viewers who want to watch national or local games on free TV?Local Station Agreements
How common are agreements between local stations and teams, and what do those deals look like?Cost Implications
How are these developments changing the costs for fans?
Current Landscape
- NFL – Games spread across ten different services; following every game could cost over a thousand dollars. Most NFL games remain on free broadcast TV, offering affordable options.
- NBA – Monday night games air on Peacock; Thursday and Friday matches are on Amazon Prime Video.
- MLB – Partnered with Netflix and Peacock for the season.
- NHL – Games appear on ESPN+ and Hulu.
Impact of Regional Sports Network Collapse
The bankruptcy filing of Diamond Sports Group, the former owner of many regional sports networks, and its rebranding as FanDuel Sports Network threaten local team coverage. Baseball and hockey franchises that rely on regional broadcasts are particularly affected.
Why This Matters
Fans are questioning whether the new streaming model serves them better than traditional TV. By gathering public feedback, the FCC aims to understand whether the current mix of broadcast and digital rights protects local news programs while keeping sports accessible.
