Staying up to date on the latest Sports action can be challenging with new streaming services . However, there is plenty of action that keeps viewership in a growing need to explore options to access sports programming in the evolving broadcast space.
Emergence of New Sports Streaming Bundles
Sports viewing is getting an influx of new streaming options which include a variety of bundles from established cable services as well as a collection of streaming providers looking to provide new value options. The new platforms are emerging to satisfy the current landscape of needs for many Sports viewers and to also tap into what that means for growth.
Comcast's Xfinity Sports & News TV
Comcast has now entered this arena offering a new package which includes more than 50 channels for sports as well as news. The Xfinity package is $70.00 per month and that price point is set to compete in a market where cable prices continue to fluctuate. Included with the package a Peacock subscription. They also have added bonus of 300 hours of DVR capacity and also claim access to over 100 free streaming channels.
DirectTV’s MySports Package
DirecTV has a similar bundle called “MySports” that also features many of the same network options as well. The MySports Package is offered in 24 markets for $70.00 per month after the promotional periods. Both the new offering of Comcast’s Xfinity Sports and News TV and DirecTV’s MySports aim at giving viewers what they require at lower price points than other standard options.
Included Channels and Content
The basic premise of both new service types include ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX local broadcasts plus ESPN, Big Ten, ACC Network and SEC Network along with some national news stations. They provide an all around option for general viewers while hitting the need for live sport events and real time news broadcasts. Both options omit certain sports networks leaving many viewers wanting something for certain professional sporting options.
Sports Specific Content
Xfinity packages includes a mix of College games along with professional sports. However Xfinity provides an option that viewers can add an additional add on "More Sports & Entertainment” that expands more into the other forms of content including the NFL Redzone and similar for $9.95 a month extra.
Added Perks and Streaming Platforms
Comcast’s plan gives an added bonus with a subscription to their NBCUniversal owned streaming platform Peacock which offers other content like movies and shows. For the DirectTv it has yet to gain CBS broadcast options. Both packages do give a variety of options for those on streaming platforms or also for those using set top boxes to give many options that fits a variety of needs.
Xfinity Additional Features
Xfinity adds a focus on accessibility which can be available on a variety of platforms. For Xfinity TV boxes that may be added include options for Multi view, Odds Zone, 4K and also allows for searches with a voice remote function. A streaming option comes in place that can be used at home or outside of the home to enjoy content using iOS, Roku, and Apple TV devices.
Market Factors Influencing These New Packages
With the shutdown of “Venu” new offerings to gain ground have now made the news as each company tries to take different strategies toward this goal of finding a way to get streaming sports content for their viewers. Also in other areas of the market are the popular options from Hulu and YouTube TV with many of the same core values as well which means the competition will continue to evolve.
Streaming versus Cable
Cable options continue to decrease and that creates opportunity for those who want an option to reach new audiences through a streaming platform. Each new company wants to secure the largest viewing numbers while at the same time creating the most diverse content with high engagement at lower price points. However a core audience for live sports remain so many new companies want a focus on sports broadcasting specifically.
Competitor's Perspectives and Price points
New players will always be added to Streaming services such as an option from Fubo which wants a portion of the space for their product. A Disney, Hulu and MAX package could also have effects on the growing trends in all of the entertainment industry which could shift power or cause a partnership between the corporations. While these things play a major role each provider has different focuses that could appeal to certain demographic
Pricing and Overall Value
With a basic understanding of value for lower prices, the average person will be drawn to lower costing content if it has the main features they need to fulfill a service.Hulu and YouTube TV are options as well at higher price points that are said to have a $150 annual cost compared to these newer offerings from other companies making it important for each individual to find the best option for their needs.
Key Takeaways
- New streaming packages have debuted from both Xfinity and DirecTV which both have over 50 broadcast channels focusing on news and sports.
- Major networks such as CBS, ABC, Fox, and NBC are featured on each network but the sports channels can differ based on what package one might select.
- Streaming platforms like Peacock are given as extra features in an attempt to have more engagement by audiences.
- New offerings were provided to bring competition to large platform streaming services like YouTubeTV and Hulu by offering lower price points and options in an evolving market for sports enthusiasts.
- The desire to be available on a wide range of viewing sources create options such as Apple TV, Roku, and streaming devices so viewers can find their method of enjoyment.