Sports Media

[andyb]

Looks like we are on a path for Peacock and/or Apple to get the Sunday games and playoffs, Netflix the Home Run Derby, with ESPN adding some new midweek games (and maybe some links of MLB.TV to their new app).

MLB negotiating with Netflix, ESPN, NBC, Apple for possible broadcast packages:...

[zambonir]

That's gonna be very unpopular as far as the playoffs. I am always a little amused how many people complain about the Friday night Apple TV games now, not really understanding that their ESPN and NBC Philly games have ever truly been free either. But they're just used to having those channels in a bundle.

I wonder if there would still be local TV broadcasts, as with NFL Amazon games. Obviously Peacock would be less of a lift in that regard too.

I guess we are on Roku Sunday which is no big deal to me but I do know older people who don't have a computer and would have no idea how to get it on their phone or smart TV (if they even have those).

[Philsmania]

I suspect that I wouldn't be going off on a limb to say that these Sunday morning games have always been poorly received.

[zambonir]

it was fine when they were on TNT (or was it TBS?) and at a normal time. The combination of the early start and the obscure outlet not very popular. I certainly would never go to one in person. Phillies probably don't like it either if a home game's in the package as the Sunday games are very popular at their current start time.

[schillingfan]

I’ve always disliked Stephen A. He makes his name by pretending to be controversial. Really, he likes being contrary or different IMO.

[zambonir]

It's sad, really. He was a legit NBA reporter in his early days but the path from columnist to "personality" was quick. But, it is certainly a much better way to make a living. The golden rule.

[zambonir]

I think Drew Magary was onto something

ESPN drops Spike Lee’s docuseries on Colin Kaepernick, network and filmmaker say

[Philsmania]

I think Drew Magary was onto something

ESPN drops Spike Lee’s docuseries on Colin Kaepernick, network and filmmaker say

Disney bending the knee.

[Philsmania]

As the ComcastUniversal (NBC)--Versant divorce progresses (as seen with yesterday's MSNBC rebrand as MS NOW), here's some explanation of where things stand with sports on Versant. Comcast, however, still owns 1/3 of Versant stock, I imagine there could be some combo deals being made in which sports properties (a little on NBC, a little on Versant). With the WS no longer being on Sunday nights, NBC is angling to get back into the MLB game.

However" NBC is exploring creating a new cable sports network, a source confirmed to FOS after The Wall Street Journal first reported the news last month. While that would appear to be a direct competitor to sports content on Versant networks, it’s likely that the new channel would mostly simulcast content that was set to exclusively stream on Peacock. Hong did not comment on the report."

From Golf to EPL, Versant Targets Deals After NBCU Split

[andyb]

Phillies rank 6th in these rankings. Praise for Kruk and not for Amaro as expected.

Awful Announcing's 2025 MLB local broadcaster rankings

[andyb]

More on the ESPN launch Thursday. Looks like just about everyone except those with Youtube TV will get it.

Why ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro is making his big bet on streaming

[zambonir]

I'm sure they will make a deal, but in the meantime what is really on there that's not on ESPN or ESPN2 or ABC (of major events)?

[andyb]

Not much new in terms of games though guessing there will be more studio shows. Generally it will be easier to find content I suspect. Most of the new stuff is likely betting and fantasy and social media that I am guessing most of us here don't care about.

I do think I'll end up dropping YTTV in a few years if not sooner. Hopefully they'll cut bundle deals so perhaps there is a future of launching all sports from a single app no matter who is the provider. I still get one of my RSNs from YTTV (Monumental) so that is another thing keeping me on the live tv side.

[zambonir]

Yeah I mean if I drop YT TV I'd have to buy the Phillies' local streaming package and/or NBC Philly on its own (for NBA and NHL). XFinity is certainly trying to sell their own stuff too but I haven't felt like investigating.

[andyb]

When YTTV drops their remaining RSNs (or puts them in a $20 sports tier) it may be time to look elsewhere. Hoping Monumental gets the Nationals rights from MASN next year which would mean I only need one RSN.

[schillingfan]

Agreed. I need Philly sports (I still call it Comcast, but even had it when it was Prism). I will go wherever I can find them.

[andyb]

As the MLB rights negotiations turn.

Looks like Apple is now out and NBC/Peacock will get both Friday and Sunday nights. Note NBC is the only major streaming service losing money, so they are really going out on a bit of a limb here with the NBA and this.

MLB.TV might move to ESPN though I think it is more likely you'll just be able to get the package in both places.

Report: Apple drops MLB, NBC/Peacock in, ESPN to buy MLB.tv, Netflix nabs Home...

[zambonir]

So the suggestion here is this would set up ESPN to take over the local streaming packages when the time comes. They would already own the platform currently carrying them (for the most part), though MLB still has to untangle some of the unexpired RSN deals (some of which, like the Phillies have many years left) to completely free up streaming with no blackouts.

I would agree MLB.TV will exist on its own for now, but maybe not for the next round of deals.

[andyb]

MLB still probably wants to separate the out-of-market rights from the in-market rights. Right now you can buy either set of rights or both. It would definitely be simpler if they just priced MLB.TV in 2 tiers. Say $149 for the out-of-market rights or $249 for all rights.

2026-2028 will likely be transition years no matter what, but it looks like we all need Peacock for baseball if we weren't getting it otherwise. I am on the Black Friday $20 yearly deal. Hopefully something like that is still available this year. It would not be the worst thing if they brought Bob Costas back to do baseball I guess. Wonder if there is mutual interest there as Costas seems to be in semi-retirement these days.

[Philsmania]

So the suggestion here is this would set up ESPN to take over the local streaming packages when the time comes. They would already own the platform currently carrying them (for the most part), though MLB still has to untangle some of the unexpired RSN deals (some of which, like the Phillies have many years left) to completely free up streaming with no blackouts.

I would agree MLB.TV will exist on its own for now, but maybe not for the next round of deals.

Don't forget, the Phillies have an ownership stake in NBCSP, I think 25% unless that mysteriously disappeared like their ownership stake in the Reading franchise.