DirecTV Stream previously branded as AT&T TV is one of the most used live TV streaming services. It provides an extensive range of networks which includes numerous regional sports networks (RSNs). However, as it has been mentioned earlier, some RSNs are not available on some streaming platforms. In this article, we will discuss in detail whether DirecTV Stream has Root Sports local sports channels.
What is Root Sports?
Root Sports is a group of regional sports networks that falls under AT&T SportsNet. As of 2022, there are four Root Sports regional networks:
- Root Sports Northwest – Root Sports Northwest is available in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, and Alaska. Carries games of Portland Trail Blazers basketball, Seattle Mariners baseball, and Seattle Kraken Ice Hockey.
- Root Sports Pittsburgh – broadcasting in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia. Pittsburgh Pirates games, Penguins games, and Steelers games.
- Root Sports Rocky Mountain – Utah, Wyoming, Montana, eastern Nevada, and some parts of Idaho. Broadcasts Utah Jazz games.
- Root Sports Southwest – Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana. Transmits Dallas Stars and Texas Rangers games.
These RSNs offer regional sports programming of favorite professional, college, and even high school teams in their respective regions.
Are Root Sports RSNs Available On DirecTV Stream?
The availability of Root Sports networks on DirecTV Stream depends on your location:
- Root Sports Northwest - Not available.
- Root Sports Pittsburgh – Most of Pennsylvania, eastern Ohio, and northern West Virginia as part of the Choice tier and higher.
- Root Sports Rocky Mountain - Not available.
- Root Sports Southwest – Offered in most of Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana as part of the Choice tier and beyond.
This means that DirecTV Stream subscribers can watch Root Sports Pittsburgh and Root Sports Southwest through their channel lineup. However, Root Sports Northwest and Root Sports Rocky Mountain are not included in it at all.
However, it is important to note that the availability of networks can also differ within a state because of the rights to the broadcast territory. On DirecTV Stream’s website, you can enter your zip code to see whether or not you’re in-market.
Why are Not All Root Sports Networks Available?
Unlike other live TV streaming players, DirecTV Stream has a contractual relationship with AT&T SportsNet to carry two of the four Root Sports channels.
However, the company of DirecTV Stream has not subscribed to Root Sports Northwest and Root Sports Rocky Mountain because such packages contain restrictive regional broadcast rights. The Northwest network has rights that allow only broadcasting therefore limiting distribution while for the Rocky Mountain network contractual terms could not be made.
Therefore, they will not be available on DirecTV Stream unless the service provider acquires rights to these RSNs in the future.
Other Options for Root Sports
Now that you know that there are Root Sports channels that are out-of-market and not on DirecTV Stream, what can you do?
Some alternatives include:
- Tune in to regional Fox Sports or NBC Sports stations that broadcast games aired locally through an OTA antenna.
- Purchase NBA League Pass Broadband (out-of-market NBA games) or MLB. TV (out-of-market baseball games) services.
- You should consider reaching out to your in-market pay TV provider for streaming RSNs that are not available on DirecTV Stream.
- This includes apps such as Fox Sports Go or NBC Sports that enable cable and satellite subscribers to live stream RSNs they subscribe to.
In most cases, the rights to broadcast both pro and college sports are heavily controlled at regional levels. Unfortunately, there are no legal streaming alternatives to watching Root Sports if you do not have in-market access to them.
The Outcome?
Does DirecTV Stream have the Root Sports regional networks available? Yes, which are Root Sports Pittsburgh and Root Sports Southwest depending on the market access.
Because broadcast rights are limited, the streaming service does not offer Root Sports Northwest or Root Sports Rocky Mountain. Those college and professional sports fans who rely on these RSNs will have to find other ways how they can watch their favorite games.
Therefore, always check on the channel availability in DirecTV Stream regarding live sports of interest. Certain networks might be unavailable based on the D. M. A. and contractual provisions that specify which signal distribution rules apply in a specific area.
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