The financial troubles of Regional Sports Networks (RSNs) are forcing major sports leagues in the U.S., including MLB, NBA, NFL, and NHL, to rethink how they distribute games to fans. RSNs have long been a core revenue source for teams, giving fans access to live broadcasts of local games. However, as viewership shifts toward streaming and cable subscriptions dwindle, the RSN model is proving unsustainable. Diamond Sports Group, the owner of Bally Sports, recently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, intensifying concerns about the future of sports broadcasting. The Atlanta Braves have raised specific objections to Diamond Sports’ reorganization plan, fearing that fans could lose access to broadcasts, which could hurt attendance and overall fan engagement.
MLB and other leagues are actively marketing streaming alternatives to ensure games remain accessible. All four major sports leagues have had their own streaming platforms providing fans with subscription-based access to out-of-market games, and are now looking at ways to make all games available on other digital platforms such as Fubo, Sling TV, ESPN+, Apple TV+, and YouTube TV. While RSNs have been a dependable revenue stream, streaming platforms could bypass cable providers, giving leagues control over their content and the ability to reach a younger audience accustomed to online viewing.
One of the notable figures involved in this shift is Jerry Reinsdorf, owner of the Chicago White Sox and Chicago Bulls. He has started the Chicago Sports Network, a new platform designed to broadcast local games directly to fans without relying on the traditional RSN model. This move reflects Reinsdorf’s awareness of RSNs’ instability and the necessity of alternative methods to maintain fan engagement and revenue. By establishing a city-specific network, Reinsdorf aims to provide a more reliable way for fans to follow their teams while preserving financial stability for the franchises involved. The Chicago Sports Network could set a precedent for other team owners looking for ways to reach fans directly.
The transition to streaming is not without its hurdles. The loss of RSNs would mean a significant revenue shift for teams, which traditionally received millions from these contracts to support operations and player salaries. Streaming alone may not immediately replace the substantial funds previously provided by RSNs, especially if fans resist the idea of subscribing to multiple streaming platforms. Teams may also face initial challenges in setting up proprietary networks or partnerships that ensure wide distribution and high-quality broadcasts. Moreover, fans who rely on cable could face limitations if they are not prepared to transition to streaming.
MLB has openly discussed a centralized streaming option that could offer both local and out-of-market games under one umbrella, which would simplify the viewing experience for fans. This setup could prevent fans from having to juggle multiple subscriptions to access games from different leagues or regions. However, given that RSNs serve as the primary broadcaster for many professional teams, finding a sustainable way to maintain their financial contributions is critical. If leagues can secure streaming deals that balance revenue and accessibility, it could open a new era of sports broadcasting that aligns with current viewing habits.
Streaming could also offer opportunities for innovation that RSNs could not, such as interactive features, live stats integration, and personalized viewing experiences tailored to fans’ preferences. While RSNs were designed for linear viewing, streaming could allow fans to engage with content in real-time, fostering deeper fan involvement. MLB, NBA, and other leagues are exploring ways to leverage streaming to enhance the fan experience, potentially offering flexible subscription tiers that cater to casual and die-hard fans alike.
The shift away from RSNs could lead to increased collaboration between teams and tech companies capable of handling high-quality streaming. Amazon, Apple, and Google have all expressed interest in securing sports broadcasting rights, which could result in partnerships that would benefit leagues and expand their reach. Streaming giants have the infrastructure to provide seamless, global access, which aligns with the leagues’ goals of growing their international fanbases. The involvement of these tech companies would not only secure financial backing but also elevate the viewing experience, drawing in fans who may have previously been deterred by the traditional RSN model.
Additionally, moving to a streaming model could allow leagues to experiment with regionalized content. For example, the Chicago Sports Network could focus on delivering content specifically tailored to Chicago-area fans, including behind-the-scenes footage, exclusive interviews, and interactive fan engagement features. This localized approach could strengthen fan loyalty and foster a sense of community around teams. As more teams explore proprietary networks, a precedent could be set for other leagues to consider team or city-specific streaming platforms that directly cater to the needs and preferences of their local audiences.
The decline of RSNs also highlights the challenges facing traditional cable television, as younger generations move away from cable in favor of streaming options that offer more control and flexibility. MLB, NBA, and NHL each face the urgent task of finding alternatives to keep fans connected to games and ensure that these games remain accessible. Streaming may offer a more sustainable model for reaching a broad audience, particularly as sports betting and interactive features become increasingly popular among fans looking for an immersive viewing experience. This shift also aligns with changes in the media landscape, where consumer demand for online content is pushing sports leagues to explore direct-to-consumer strategies that bypass traditional networks.
While RSNs served a critical role in shaping how fans access sports, their decline signals a transformation in how fans connect with their favorite teams. Jerry Reinsdorf’s initiative with the Chicago Sports Network reflects a forward-thinking approach, emphasizing that sports leagues must adapt to changing times. By providing a model for other team owners, the Chicago Sports Network could encourage further innovation and experimentation within professional sports. The rise of streaming offers new opportunities for leagues to deliver a more dynamic and engaging viewing experience while potentially bringing new revenue models that compensate for the decline of RSN contributions.
For leagues to succeed in this transition, they must carefully balance accessibility and cost, as many fans remain hesitant to subscribe to multiple streaming services. Finding a way to consolidate sports content onto fewer platforms would make it easier for fans to watch games and encourage more widespread adoption of streaming. As sports leagues consider these changes, the shift from RSNs to streaming could mark a turning point, where fans gain greater access to content while leagues retain the revenue needed to maintain team operations and player compensation. This evolution may also allow leagues to explore innovative ways to monetize digital platforms, providing fans with exclusive access to content that was not previously available on traditional broadcasts.
The challenges faced by Diamond Sports Group, along with the potential impact on teams like the Atlanta Braves, underscore the urgency of finding sustainable alternatives to RSNs. As the bankruptcy process unfolds, MLB and other leagues are closely watching to understand how it will affect their own contracts and fan reach. The move toward streaming aligns with a broader trend across the entertainment industry, where traditional TV is giving way to online platforms that offer both flexibility and control. MLB has already invested in streaming as a supplementary option, and by making it the primary platform, the league could attract a new generation of fans and increase its engagement among younger audiences.
Here’s the thing folks: Jerry Reinsdorf’s Chicago Sports Network could serve as a blueprint for other teams, demonstrating how sports franchises can retain fan loyalty and ensure game access amid the changing broadcasting landscape. Localized networks like this could become commonplace, with teams in large markets choosing to establish their own platforms while smaller markets might seek partnerships with established streaming services. Regardless of the approach, the goal is clear: sports leagues must evolve to meet the expectations of today’s fans, who demand convenient, high-quality access to games without the limitations of traditional cable.
With that… The transition to streaming has the potential to transform how fans experience sports, offering greater interactivity, regionalized content, and flexibility in how games are watched.
If you can’t play with them, then root for them.