Spectrum is joining a growing number of RSN owners who plan to offer a direct-to-consumer option for their RSN network. We still don’t have a launch date or a price yet, but Spectrum has confirmed that it is in the works, according to the Sports Business Journal.
This all comes as it has become increasingly difficult for sports fans to watch RSNs. Most streaming services do not carry them, and even DISH has dropped them. When DISH dropped most RSNs, they listed the high cost and low viewership. This has forced a growing number of RSNs into financial trouble and plans to offer direct-to-consumer options.
At this time, this is all we know, but Sinclairs’ Bally Sports in-market streaming for their Bally Sports networks costs about $20 a month less if you prepay for a year. It is expected that this service will come in around that $20 a month number.
The MLB All-Star Game this year is on July 11th, 2023. It looks like the Cubs plan to launch this new streaming service sometime after that date. We still do not know the price or the exact launch date for the new Cubs streaming service.
MSG+ also recently launched at $30 a month. This service is currently in soft launch but has already started to offer some unique options, including a single-game option.
By the end of 2023, most major RSNs, including MSG, Bally Sports, and Yes Network, will all offer options to stream games in-market.
This all comes at a time that RSNs are struggling with Bally Sports in bankruptcy. AT&T SportsNet is reportedly planning to shut down this year. Now increasingly RSNs are hoping by offering direct-to-consumer options, they can attract customers that they would have otherwise lost.
The question now is will cable networks be willing to pay for RSNs when they are offered directly to consumers streaming only.