Sports Pack required for RSN - DirecTV Stream :(

[mikew]

In Las Vegas, the DBacks channel has been part of the RSN package for years. When they split away from Bally, the DBacks MLB channel became part of the package. They even launched the channel on opening day this year. Yesterday, I noticed the channel missing. I wrote in on the DirecTV Stream website and was given the following info:

"Due to DIRECTV’s contractual obligations, the Diamondbacks are no longer available in your zip code as part of our base package (CHOICE & above). You can choose to add DIRECTV Sports Pack at $14.99 a month to access the team on channel 686. I'm sending you a DM to further assist. Aljoy, DIRECTV Community Specialist"

So my choice now is to either sub to the MLB local package for $100/year, or pay $14.95/month for a package of channels that have no value, aside from one game a day. I guess I should have realized DirecTV will grab money any way they can. There was no notification, just pulled the channel.

 

[Bruce]

So my choice now is to either sub to the MLB local package for $100/year, or pay $14.95/month for a package of channels that have no value, aside from one game a day. I guess I should have realized DirecTV will grab money any way they can. There was no notification, just pulled the channel.

Every year, the MLB.com package goes on sale in May for half off, maybe the Diamondback package will also.

 

[KyL416]

Last year the affected teams basically honored the remaining terms of Bally's distribution agreements, this year it was all new contracts, which is why the MVPD distribution wasn't announced until the day the regular season began. If you go the direct to MLB route, the monthly pricing is $19.99.

Until the A's move to Vegas in 2028, the area is still claimed by 6 MLB teams, and will still be claimed by California's 4 NBA teams until Vegas gets a NBA franchise. While for the Golden Knights, KMCC switched from free must carry status to retransmission consent payments this year after they dumped Ion from their primary channel for Vegas 34/Scripps Sports. So right now your area is paying in territory rates for 11 teams, and until Bally Arizona folded and they signed a new deal with the Diamondbacks, every subscriber with Choice or higher was forced to pay for all of those teams.
There might be more changes next season if Bally goes under and the leagues take back the rights, which would affect the Angels and Clippers. The Spectrum Sportsnet renewal announcement also mentioned something about them being able to change how the Lakers and Dodgers RSNs are packaged down the road. The A's TV rights could revert back to MLB too if Comcast doesn't want to sign a short term renewal for a team that pretty much lost its entire Oakland fanbase and has no chance of attracting significant viewership for their upcoming Sacramento seasons.

Vegas isn't the only market that requires the sports pack for additional outer ring teams. If the contracts allow it, they mainly do it for outer areas that are claimed by teams from multiple cities. i.e. In portions of Iowa for at least the past several years they have needed the sports pack to get the Minnesota and Wisconsin teams. In portions of Mississippi and Tennessee they need it for the Reds and Cardinals, portions of North Carolina also need it for the Reds. In portions of Western PA and Western NY they need it for the Cavaliers. In portions of Arkansas they need it for the Cardinals, Royals and Grizzlies. In portions of Alabama they need it for the Pelicans. In portions of Nebraska they need it for the Thunder, Lynx and Timberwolves. Portions of South Dakota need it for the Rockies. Portions of Idaho need it for the Mariners.

 

[mikew]

I appreciate your post KyL. it certainly is disappointing though that DirecTV wants to pull another $15.00/month increase for one team in my area. I get how unique Vegas is when it comes to blackouts and this is just another aggravating chapter in my history of just trying to watch sports in this town.

 

[Phil T]

Comcast is doing the same thing in Colorado. Packages that included AT&T Sportsnet (Colorado Rockies) last year do not carry the MLB Rockies channel now, forcing viewers to upgrade packages.

Thankfully DirecTV Stream and Satellite kept them in the Choice and above packages.