Cable television could be gone sooner than we thought. Streaming is challenging the usefulness of cable, as many of our favorite shows are on various apps now. If you can find the apps that fit your viewing preferences and split the bill with some friends or family members, then streaming easily becomes the more affordable option to cable. Of course, the main thing keeping cable alive is live sporting events. But now, streaming companies are finding ways to get live sports so that cable television can rest peacefully.
Who is replacing cable television?
YouTube TV, one of the most popular replacements for cable television, is now the frontrunner to land NFL Sunday Ticket. This would allow YouTube TV to stream out-of-market NFL games, leaving only nationally broadcasted games off its subscription. However, with YouTube TV’s ability to customize your package to get specific channels, you can acquire nationally broadcasted games by including CBS and Fox. NFL Sunday Ticket is currently available through DirecTV. However, they announced earlier this year that they would look for a streaming service to partner with after this NFL season. Apple was the frontrunner for the service for most of the year, but now YouTube TV has stepped in with a $2.5 billion offer.
The last one to go
Other sports have found ways to move to streaming already. The NBA and NHL have an out-of-market deal with Hulu. Since the Walt Disney Company acquired Hulu, they also have access to ESPN+ bundles. The MLB has the MLB TV app. The NFL was the last major domino to fall for cable television.
The importance of a solution
Any sports fan will tell you how important it is to get the game live. Many streams are on a two-minute delay, inhibiting their ability to text their friends or family during the game or scroll through social media without spoilers. The commentary around the game is an important part of the culture, and a mass streamer stepping in could fix the cable vs. streaming controversy at many watch parties.
