Cord cutting

[SuperBowlNachos]

Re: Cord cutting

I think I am finally going to sign up for a streaming service. Like a good son I've just bummed off my parents for things like ESPN after moving out.

I am leaning towards Hulu with Live TV ++++++ since I already pay for Hulu no ads. It also looks like it is $20 off for 3 months right now. I would add the Redzone/sports package with one day hoping any of them get Bally Sports back.

Any reason to consider others?

[SuperBowlNachos]

Re: Cord cutting

Not that Im aware of... We mostly watch YTTV.

Are you in a rush to get one? This Firestick was $25 on Prime Day. I'd bet there is a similar deal on Black Friday or maybe even before then.

Either way get one with the remote that can control the TV volume. I'd personally say go ahead and get a 4K version.

[lowpaiddonkey10]

Re: Cord cutting

I think I am finally going to sign up for a streaming service. Like a good son I've just bummed off my parents for things like ESPN after moving out.

I am leaning towards Hulu with Live TV ++++++ since I already pay for Hulu no ads. It also looks like it is $20 off for 3 months right now. I would add the Redzone/sports package with one day hoping any of them get Bally Sports back.

Any reason to consider others?

Went with YTTV rather than Hulu due to the exclusion of MLB Network on Hulu. The DVR is unlimited on YTTV Hulu like 20 hours or something like that.

[dubcity]

Re: Cord cutting

Peacock Premium special $1.99mo for 12 months or $20 upfront for the whole year. New accounts only, if currently subbed just cancel and create a new account.

Good deal if you can handle the commercials.

[The Kid 24]

Re: Cord cutting

God damnit, YTTV just lost MLB Network.


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[Cod]

Re: Cord cutting

This may be a sign that MLB is exploring direct-to-consumer options with Diamond Sports Group (Sinclair / Bally) scheduled to file for bankruptcy soon. MLB already told the company that MLB would not renegotiate their deal or take deferred payments. I realize this is specific to regional networks; however, it may be part of a larger play to make MLB.tv "the" streaming option for baseball. They could offer MLB.tv with no blackouts, MLB Network, and more.

This is already playing out in MLS with AppleTV offering every game (even national ones) without regional blackouts and most MLSNext games as well.

[Speedy]

Re: Cord cutting

They could offer MLB.tv with no blackouts, MLB Network, and more.

I am so ready for this.

[dubcity]

Re: Cord cutting

I can't see MLB taking MLB Network off of TV/streaming like that.

YouTube TV is going to have to raise their price sooner rather than later. They are still sticking it out at $65 for a lot of content.

[Jr.]

Re: Cord cutting

I can't see MLB taking MLB Network off of TV/streaming like that.

YouTube TV is going to have to raise their price sooner rather than later. They are still sticking it out at $65 for a lot of content.

Yeah it's not urgent right now, there's not much for MLB Network to showcase. I expect it will be resolved by the end of February

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[p_rushing]

Re: Cord cutting

This may be a sign that MLB is exploring direct-to-consumer options with Diamond Sports Group (Sinclair / Bally) scheduled to file for bankruptcy soon. MLB already told the company that MLB would not renegotiate their deal or take deferred payments. I realize this is specific to regional networks; however, it may be part of a larger play to make MLB.tv "the" streaming option for baseball. They could offer MLB.tv with no blackouts, MLB Network, and more.

This is already playing out in MLS with AppleTV offering every game (even national ones) without regional blackouts and most MLSNext games as well.

Those contracts are way too much revenue for the teams. There is no way MLB.tv can fill in the revenue. If Bally goes under, someone will buy the rights and have broadcast control.

Unless MLB is buying their own rights back and paying the teams their contracts, nothing changes.

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[Cod]

Re: Cord cutting

Those contracts are way too much revenue for the teams. There is no way MLB.tv can fill in the revenue. If Bally goes under, someone will buy the rights and have broadcast control.

Unless MLB is buying their own rights back and paying the teams their contracts, nothing changes.

I thought the same thing, until I read this in a recent article: Sports leagues have been aware that bankruptcy could occur, and with it, Major League Baseball hired former Sinclair and FOX Media Group executive Billy Chambers to the newly created position of Executive Vice President, Local Media. Chambers is scheduled to start at MLB on February 1st.

Chambers was specifically sought out and hired by MLB after the rumors of Diamond bankruptcy last year to help MLB maximize the reach of their game in clubs' local markets. I read all this as MLB is exploring direct-to-consumer options.

[Hammerhunker]

Re: Cord cutting

I am speaking from ignorances regarding all of the agreements and such, but to me it seems like MLB is leaving a crap-ton of moolah on the table. Blacking out "local viewers" (I am a local viewer of a team and live 500 miles away, and I know there are more ridiculous situations existing) is wasting a torrent of advertising revenue.

Is this the case in a nutshell or what I am missing here?

[SuperBowlNachos]

Re: Cord cutting

I am speaking from ignorances regarding all of the agreements and such, but to me it seems like MLB is leaving a crap-ton of moolah on the table. Blacking out "local viewers" (I am a local viewer of a team and live 500 miles away, and I know there are more ridiculous situations existing) is wasting a torrent of advertising revenue.

Is this the case in a nutshell or what I am missing here?

Regional sports networks. They pay for the rights to the local viewing area. 500 miles away is crazy, but if XYZ Network has the rights then that's just how it is.

It's awful in my area too. The Rangers, Mavericks, and Stars are on Bally Southwest, but you can't get that channel except on traditional cable/satellite services. Or you can pay $20/mo for their streaming service.

[p_rushing]

Re: Cord cutting

I thought the same thing, until I read this in a recent article: Sports leagues have been aware that bankruptcy could occur, and with it, Major League Baseball hired former Sinclair and FOX Media Group executive Billy Chambers to the newly created position of Executive Vice President, Local Media. Chambers is scheduled to start at MLB on February 1st.

Chambers was specifically sought out and hired by MLB after the rumors of Diamond bankruptcy last year to help MLB maximize the reach of their game in clubs' local markets. I read all this as MLB is exploring direct-to-consumer options.

I'm guessing he was hired to get better contracts with the providers but I doubt it will be a full MLB TV offering only. The RSNs have priced themselves into bankruptcy because they kept increasing fees. More and more people don't want them.

The main issue is those contracts are crazy, even for the terrible teams. There isn't anyone who can match that pay. I don't know how many subscribers they have but I don't see how they lose money without those deals.

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[tarheelguy4736]

Re: Cord cutting

https://www.espn.com/espn/story/_/id/35665906/owner-bally-sports-regional-networks-skips-paying-140m

I think you are witnessing the end of the RSNs now. Missing just the interest payments is a huge signal that they just can't afford to pay these teams for the rights anymore.

My assumption would be the sports leagues will have to manage on their own. I am sure they will use their own applications and make people pay. My hope is that it wont be too expensive, especially since most of us would only watch out local teams. I dont want to have to pay to watch teams I never will watch.