The availability of regional sports networks on streaming services is a key factor for many subscribers. These networks provide access to live games and related programming for local professional and collegiate teams. The presence or absence of a specific regional sports network significantly influences a potential customer’s decision to subscribe to a particular streaming platform.
Access to local sports broadcasts carries significant weight for viewers, particularly avid fans of teams within their geographical area. The ability to watch games without requiring a traditional cable subscription is a major benefit. The historical fragmentation of sports rights contributes to the complexity of determining which streaming services offer which channels, creating a landscape where availability varies greatly.