Sports blackouts

[Dud]

I have been constantly researching on sports blackouts for MLB and NHL but have found so much conflicting information. I understand the very basic concept of blackouts that they are done to promote the local broadcasters. So if I live in Seattle and I want to watch every Yankees game do i just go to the MLB channel and I’ll be good?

 

[Radioguy41]

Actually blackouts were created for one reason, and one reason only, to protect home stadium attendance but over the years it's been twisted and misconstrued and used to "protect" whoever owns the local broadcasting rights but that was not it's original intent or purpose.

 

[les.warden]

I, too, have never understood this blackout nonsense. I’m in central Illinois. The Cubs head to the west coast to play some games and they’re blacked out here in Illinois. Whaaaat? Just bonkers!

 

[The Fat Man]

And these groups don't understand why I'm big on pirating content. If you make it so I can't watch my local team, and I pay to do so, then forget you, I am going to find a way to watch it.

Now, right now I'm not paying for access to my RSN, so I listen to the radio broadcasts.

 

[DISH Support]

I have been constantly researching on sports blackouts for MLB and NHL but have found so much conflicting information. I understand the very basic concept of blackouts that they are done to promote the local broadcasters. So if I live in Seattle and I want to watch every Yankees game do i just go to the MLB channel and I’ll be good?

Hello Dud. Sometimes, the reasons behind these blackouts can be a little unclear. Sports blackouts can be caused by any number of reasons. The rights owners could blackout a game on a local channel if it is being carried by a regional or national network, a provider could have purchased exclusive rights to the broadcast, or anything along those lines.

To use your example, there wouldn't be a way that you could view Yankees game through a local, so you would be pretty dependent on either viewing those games through either a regional network or a national network. A majority of the Yankee's games are picked up by the regional network YES. If you try to view an airing through a National network, like MLB, ESPN, or FOX Sports, the rights owners (YES) could decide to blackout all the airings on national networks, and you would only have access to view it through their channel.

If this still is a bit confusing, we have a more in-depth explanation on how they work right here: Sports Blackout Restrictions | MyDISH | DISH Customer Support

I hope this information helps! - Caleb S