Bally Sports which was formerly Fox Sports Regional Networks owns the rights to many local sports teams in the United States. Following the latest developments where Bally Sports, a regional sports network, was pulled from popular live TV streaming services such as YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV, it became clear that fans are eagerly looking for places where they can watch the network. Currently, the only streaming platform that still provides access to Bally Sports is DirecTV Stream.
Which Packages Are Offered by DirecTV Streams?
DirecTV Stream, formerly called AT&T TV, provides its customers with a subscription to many cable channels that would typically be associated with cable TV service. It includes such channels as ESPN, TNT, USA, and so on. This also includes regional Bally Sports networks in some markets for the benefit of sports enthusiasts.
The particular Bally Sports channels that are available on DirecTV Stream depend on the subscription package you choose and your location. For instance, the Choice package and above bring Bally Sports Ohio and Bally Sports Great Lakes to customers within Ohio. For those in other states such as Florida and Arizona, Bally Sports Florida and Bally Sports Arizona are available on DirecTV Stream.
Here, one might wonder why other streaming services lost Bally Sports in the first place.
In recent times, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, FuboTV, and Sling TV, all major live TV streaming services, were forced to remove Bally Sports regional networks operated by Sinclair Broadcast Group. This lack of access mostly results from carriage renewal negotiations with Sinclair, where the streaming providers declined to pay more in retransmission fees.
Sinclair has been pressing for significant fee hikes for the Bally Sports channels to broadcast live TV streaming services. Companies, like YouTube TV, asserted that these demands were significantly higher than their value to consumers. Since both sides are in a deadlock, earlier distribution agreements elapsed without continuation hence blackouts.
On the other hand, DirecTV Stream appears to have reached some sort of monetary agreement with Sinclair to retain Bally Sports networks in some markets offered through the platform. This was helpful to maintain access for the fans who rely on DirecTV Stream. However, the aspect of the negotiators using the threat of passing on the increased costs to its subscribers is ever present during these negotiations.
What DirecTV Stream Packages Provide Bally Sports?
Bally Sports regional networks are not available on any package below the Choice tier in DirecTV Stream. This implies that the only way through which one can be able to access this content is through a package that costs $89. 99 monthly and above. Entertainment package for $69. 99 monthly subscription will not offer Bally Sports channels depending on your region.
When comparing DirecTV Stream packages, make sure to find out which Bally Sports is accessible in your region before choosing a starting package. The channel has to be present in the list of outlined channels before proceeding further, and it must be a Bally Sports channel. The packages with lower prices will just say “Regional Sports Fee up to $8. 49/mo. ” and they will not specify whether Bally Sports is included in this fee or they will not list it at all if it is not included in lower-tier packages.
The impact on the sports fans
As for the sports enthusiasts who rely on streaming as an alternative to cable, Bally Sports has been removed from several live TV services which was a significant blow in terms of games. This particularly affects fans of MLB, NBA, and NHL teams that are covered by Bally Sports regional networks in their respective states.
Not all streaming providers deliver a steady frame rate and performance, but with DirecTV Stream, you have a good cable replacement with 60-120fps depending on your device. It could be one of the few legal ways to watch Bally Sports if not included in the AT&T NFL Sunday Ticket.
If you were an ex-YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or Sling TV customer who lost Bally Sports, getting DirecTV Stream is your way of getting it back in a streaming service. It is just important to know that higher package rates may be expected than other choices out there that do not have regional sports.
Conclusion
However, DirecTV Stream continues to be one of the most comprehensive live TV streaming services that can offer Bally Sports regional networks through distribution deals. Local sports fans can currently access this through the Choice package and above for $89. 99 per month. Thus, though more low-cost alternatives have disappeared, DirecTV Stream offers a reasonable means to keep watching Bally Sports given recent blackouts across the streaming platforms.
Transform your viewing experience with DirecTV! Call us today at +1 855-213-2250 to explore our plans and find the perfect package for you. Our experts are ready to assist you and get you set up with top-notch entertainment. Don’t wait—contact us now!
