NBCUniversal is planning to bring its regional sports networks (RSNs) to its Peacock streaming service as early as 2025, according to sources familiar with the matter according to a report from The Wall Street Journal. This move would give Peacock subscribers in select markets access to live games from popular teams like the Boston Celtics, Philadelphia Phillies, and Golden State Warriors.
The four NBC Sports networks slated for inclusion hold local broadcast rights in Boston, Philadelphia, and Northern California. While the games will remain available on traditional television, adding them to Peacock would provide another viewing option for fans, particularly those who have cut the cord from cable.
Details of the plan are still being finalized, and the rollout could be delayed. One option under consideration is to offer the RSNs as add-on subscriptions in their respective local markets, allowing fans to pay extra for access to live games.
This move reflects a growing trend in the streaming industry, with major entertainment companies leveraging live sports to attract and retain subscribers. Even Netflix, which has traditionally avoided live sports, has recently acquired rights to events like Christmas Day NFL games.
Earlier this year, NBCUniversal secured a $2.5 billion annual deal for the rights to 100 NBA games, which will air on NBC and Peacock. The company already streams a variety of sports content, including NFL games, Big Ten college sports, Premier League soccer, golf, and the Tour de France.
However, the RSN landscape has been facing challenges due to cord-cutting and rising rights fees. Diamond Sports Group, the largest RSN owner, is currently in bankruptcy proceedings. NBCUniversal itself has been reevaluating its RSN strategy, shutting down some channels and selling others in recent years.
Adding its remaining RSNs to Peacock could help NBCUniversal revitalize these assets and provide a valuable offering for sports fans in those markets. By offering live games alongside its existing entertainment and sports programming, Peacock could become a more compelling option for cord-cutters and sports enthusiasts alike.
This move also highlights the increasing importance of streaming in the sports media landscape. As viewing habits evolve, traditional RSNs are facing pressure to adapt, and integrating with streaming platforms like Peacock could be a key strategy for survival and growth.