True - I'm sure the "cable channels via streaming" services like Hulu and-
YouTube TV are subject to the same or similar contractual hang-ups that linear cable services are.
But, I think those services are going to be marginalized out of existence now that Disney/FOX/Paramount/NBC are making their sporting events available via standalone, a la carte sports streaming apps like the ESPN or Fox Sports apps, or otherwise via their proprietary apps like Paramount Plus for CBS Sports and Peacock for NBC.
I say this because, just like legacy cable, live sports are pretty much the only thing driving those "cable channels via streaming" services now. Everything else (scripted and reality shows, documentary offerings, etc.) that people watch is just available to stream on demand.
We're ultimately going to get to a place, and we're going to get there very soon, where blackouts and regional sports restrictions are like carriage fees - relics of a legacy linear cable model that no longer exists. As far as I'm aware, the MLB is the only major pro sports league where regional blackouts are even still a thing if you pay for the proprietary service (e.g., NBA League Pass, NFL Sunday Ticket, etc.)
Thread Replies (18)
This youtube makes a lot of sense to me...
-- TDVick
Jul 26, 2026 at 04:51 AM ET
TDVick
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07/26/26 04:51 AM ET
2 things I don't understand about the B1G's approach to Southern expansion
-- Maroon Baboon
Jul 26, 2026 at 11:51 PM ET
Maroon Baboon
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07/26/26 11:51 PM ET
My opinion, it is the old BC thing in ACC expansion
-- VTCALS72
Jul 27, 2026 at 07:54 AM ET
VTCALS72
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07/27/26 07:54 AM ET
I am once again begging folks to understand that TV markets are no longer-
-- Baltimore_Hokie
Jul 27, 2026 at 11:47 AM ET
Baltimore_Hokie
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07/27/26 11:47 AM ET
I agree with you the model is changing to something new.
-- VTHokie2000
Jul 28, 2026 at 12:18 PM ET
VTHokie2000
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07/28/26 12:18 PM ET
True - I'm sure the "cable channels via streaming" services like Hulu and-
◄
-- Baltimore_Hokie
Jul 28, 2026 at 12:51 PM ET
Baltimore_Hokie
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07/28/26 12:51 PM ET
FWIW blackouts still exist in the NHL. If Monumental Sports has the
-- VTHokie2000
Jul 28, 2026 at 01:31 PM ET
VTHokie2000
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07/28/26 01:31 PM ET
My inclination is that linear cable and "channels" will just die off.
-- Baltimore_Hokie
Jul 28, 2026 at 03:00 PM ET
Baltimore_Hokie
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07/28/26 03:00 PM ET
There are no more "markets" in the sense that you're selling a bundle of-
-- Baltimore_Hokie
Jul 27, 2026 at 05:05 PM ET
Baltimore_Hokie
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07/27/26 05:05 PM ET
All that still speaks to a process of bringing your product to market
-- VTCALS72
Jul 27, 2026 at 06:04 PM ET
VTCALS72
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07/27/26 06:04 PM ET
Here's where I think our disconnect on this is-
-- Baltimore_Hokie
Jul 28, 2026 at 09:45 AM ET
Baltimore_Hokie
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07/28/26 09:45 AM ET
Good post. Fully agree with the general theme of your 2nd paragraph
-- VTCALS72
Jul 29, 2026 at 08:27 AM ET
VTCALS72
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07/29/26 08:27 AM ET
I always thought it a house of cards to build your business model on
-- Maroon Baboon
Jul 27, 2026 at 01:56 PM ET
Maroon Baboon
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07/27/26 01:56 PM ET
Duke B-ball with UNC is huge money(maybe)**
-- MrFantastic!
Jul 28, 2026 at 06:58 AM ET
MrFantastic!
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07/28/26 06:58 AM ET
Agree with everything in your post 100%.
-- Baltimore_Hokie
Jul 27, 2026 at 02:13 PM ET
Baltimore_Hokie
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07/27/26 02:13 PM ET
I think the numbers changed signficantly once the SEC landed Texas and OU
-- TDVick
Jul 27, 2026 at 05:53 AM ET
TDVick
•
07/27/26 05:53 AM ET
Interesting take, here’ a clickable link for others to make it easier.
-- Stech
Jul 26, 2026 at 07:44 PM ET
Stech
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07/26/26 07:44 PM ET