The availability of regional sports networks (RSNs) on streaming services is a key factor for many viewers when choosing a television provider. These networks offer live coverage of local professional and collegiate sports teams, which are often unavailable through national broadcasts. Access to these RSNs has been a significant point of contention in the streaming landscape.
The presence, or absence, of RSNs on streaming platforms directly impacts a subscriber’s ability to watch their favorite local teams. Historical context reveals periods where major streaming services carried a wide variety of these channels, followed by instances where carriage agreements lapsed, resulting in their removal. This volatility has forced consumers to frequently re-evaluate their streaming choices based on the specific RSNs offered.
