Dodgers Lift Streaming Blackout for 2024 Season
After years of being blacked out from streaming Dodgers games locally without a cable TV subscription, fans can finally cut the cord in 2024. Spectrum Networks announced this week that it will offer a streaming option for SportsNet LA - the Dodgers’ regional sports network.
However, there’s a catch. The streaming service for Dodgers games will only be available as part of a broader bundle that includes Spectrum internet and mobile phone services.
Breaking the Cable TV Monopoly
For Dodgers fans who have been cable TV subscribers primarily to access SportsNet LA’s broadcasts, this is a huge development. Spectrum has been the gatekeeper for the channel’s content for years after securing exclusive rights in a $8.35 billion deal back in 2013.
While other regional sports networks like YES (Yankees) and NESN (Red Sox) have launched direct streaming subscriptions, SportsNet LA remained cable TV-only until now. Fans had to maintain expensive cable or satellite packages just to watch their hometown team.
The Spectrum Bundle
Under the new plan announced this week, fans can pay a promotional $49.99 per month for a bundle of Spectrum internet, mobile service, and streaming access to SportsNet LA’s Dodgers game broadcasts for the 2024 season.
It’s not a perfect à la carte streaming option that many fans hoped for, but it does provide an avenue to ditch cable TV while still legally watching the Dodgers play. The bundling strategy aligns with Spectrum’s aim to migrate customers to its broadband and wireless services as pay TV declines.
Whether this model pricing will entice cord-cutters remains to be seen. But for the 2024 season at least, Dodgers fans fed up with hefty cable bills have an alternative.
Looking Ahead
The Dodgers’ crosstown rivals have taken a different approach - Angel fans can purchase a direct streaming package for Bally Sports West’s channels at $29.99 per month. However, that package doesn’t include the Angels’ channel due to the network’s financial troubles.
Looking beyond 2024, both MLB and the Dodgers could revisit offering a pure streaming option without bundling other Spectrum services. The league has ambitions for a comprehensive national streaming package that would eliminate local blackouts.
But for now, Dodgers fans just got a long-awaited pathway to legally stream games over the internet without the ball and chain of a cable TV subscription. It’s a small victory for cord-cutters, even if they still have to fork over cash to Spectrum.