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With the dropoff of local networks and cable-cutters,the sports leagues are going to start direct-streaming the games themselves and capture advertiser and view
by raminf 3y ago
With the dropoff of local networks and cable-cutters,the sports leagues are going to start direct-streaming the games themselves and capture advertiser and viewer revenue directly. MLB.tv is a primary example. They already have the technology and the brand reach.
All they have to do is add color commentary (post-game shows, direct interviews with players and coaches) and the value of local TV sports networks and intermediaries like ESPN will drop off to zero.
Only thing ESPN will have going for it is cross-sports content, like SportsCenter. Not sure that's enough to keep them going.
Once the cable and local network deals expire, the league streamers would be smart to do away with local blackouts, and then there would be no reason for fans to just buy the league streaming service directly.
- dahdum 3y agoThe math is still dire, without forced subsidies from non-viewers the pie is shrinking fast. You can cut ESPN out all you want, but there aren’t enough sports fans to make up the revenue gap.
- phone8675309 3y ago> sports leagues are going to start direct-streaming the games themselves and capture advertiser and viewer revenue directly The NFL has been doing this since NFL Sunday Ticket launched in 1994, along with NFL Network. The flip side of this is that they also do it without advertisements because it's a pay service (they show a "Game is in Commercial" message instead of the advertisements that would be shown in their place). There's no need to appeal to advertisers when your fan base is so fanatical about the content that they'll pay hundreds of dollars a season to watch the games they want to watch.