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Sports Bars Must Switch NFL Sunday Ticket Providers This Season

by Chief Editor
written by Chief Editor

The Streaming Revolution Hits Sports Bars: What EverPass Means for Game Day

The way sports bars access and deliver live games is undergoing a significant shift. EverPass Media has become the exclusive commercial provider of NFL Sunday Ticket, ending DirecTV’s long-standing run as the sole distributor. This change isn’t just about a latest name; it signals a broader trend towards streaming-based solutions for businesses wanting to offer premium sports content.

From Satellite Dishes to Streaming Boxes

For decades, sports bars relied on satellite dishes – specifically, those provided by DirecTV – to broadcast out-of-market NFL games. Now, EverPass offers venues the option of using their own streaming hardware or Spectrum’s Xumo boxes. This move eliminates the need for costly and complex satellite installations, potentially lowering barriers to entry for smaller establishments. Pricing is tailored to the size of the venue.

EverPass: More Than Just Football

Founded in 2023 as a partnership between RedBird Capital, 32 Equity (the NFL’s investment arm), and following YouTube’s acquisition of residential streaming rights for $14 billion, EverPass is rapidly expanding its offerings. Beyond NFL Sunday Ticket, the platform now includes exclusive out-of-home rights for Peacock events, and streams from Amazon, Apple, ESPN, and Paramount+. This aggregation strategy aims to provide a one-stop shop for bars and restaurants seeking a comprehensive sports package.

DirecTV’s Response and the Future of Commercial Sports Rights

DirecTV had a three-year commercial distribution deal with EverPass, but negotiations for renewal failed. The company expressed concern that EverPass’s streaming-only model could add financial pressure and operational complexity for businesses already managing tight margins. Although, DirecTV has also launched its own commercial streaming product, acknowledging the industry’s shift. Other league’s out-of-market packages continue to rely on cable and satellite distribution, for now.

DirecTV currently serves over 300,000 restaurants, bars, and venues, and some proprietors are opting to subscribe to multiple services to ensure they have all the content their customers expect, or to provide redundancy during peak viewing times.

Addressing Concerns: Reliability and Infrastructure

A key concern for bar owners transitioning to streaming is reliability. Past experiences with consumer-grade streaming services have often been plagued by lag and synchronization issues. EverPass is attempting to address these concerns by promising “business-grade reliability” and a purpose-built platform. However, some establishments may still require infrastructure upgrades to support a smooth streaming experience.

The Broader Trend: Streaming Takes Center Stage

EverPass’s emergence reflects a larger trend in the sports media landscape. As more commercial rights shift to streaming, platforms like EverPass are positioned to become increasingly important intermediaries. The company recently secured rights to stream all of the NFL’s digital-only game broadcasts and added regional sports channels YES Network and the Chicago Sports Network to its package.

This shift is also fueled by investment. In 2024, EverPass received investment from TKO, the parent company of UFC and WWE, and acquired Upshow, an on-premise entertainment and marketing tech company. This suggests a vision of transforming the sports bar experience beyond just the games themselves, offering tools for marketing and customer engagement.

FAQ

Q: What is EverPass?
A: EverPass is the exclusive commercial rights holder for NFL Sunday Ticket and a streaming platform offering a variety of live sports content for businesses.

Q: Does this change affect residential NFL Sunday Ticket subscribers?
A: No, residential subscribers access NFL Sunday Ticket through YouTube TV and YouTube Primetime Channels.

Q: Will I need to upgrade my internet service to use EverPass?
A: Depending on your current internet speed and the size of your venue, you may need to upgrade your internet service to ensure a reliable streaming experience.

Q: What if I already have a DirecTV satellite dish?
A: You can continue to use your DirecTV setup for other content, but you will need to subscribe to EverPass to access NFL Sunday Ticket.

Q: What other sports content does EverPass offer?
A: EverPass offers content from Peacock, Amazon, Apple, ESPN, Paramount+, and regional sports networks like YES Network and the Chicago Sports Network.

Did you know? EverPass was created after YouTube acquired the rights to stream out-of-market NFL games for consumers.

Pro Tip: Contact EverPass directly to get a customized quote based on your venue’s size and needs.

Stay tuned for further developments as the streaming revolution continues to reshape the sports bar experience. What are your thoughts on this shift? Share your comments below!

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Sport

Rob Manfred’s To-Do List Includes Radical Revision of MLB’s Media Plan

by Chief Editor
written by Chief Editor

MLB’s Looming Labor Battles and the Future of the Game

Major League Baseball stands at a crossroads. With the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) expiring on December 1, 2026, and a host of media rights and revenue distribution challenges looming, the next few years promise to be a period of significant upheaval. Commissioner Rob Manfred acknowledges the challenges, even suggesting a potential offseason lockout could be strategically beneficial in negotiations.

The CBA: A Potential Standoff

Negotiating a new CBA is the central task. Key sticking points are likely to include a salary cap and a revised revenue-sharing scheme. These proposals are unlikely to be welcomed by the MLB Players Association, setting the stage for a potentially contentious process. MLB has experienced nine work stoppages since 1972 – four strikes and five owner-mandated lockouts – and the prospect of a tenth is very real.

Manfred has indicated a willingness to leverage an offseason lockout as a bargaining tactic, citing the legal framework of the National Labor Relations Act. This approach signals a hardline stance and suggests a quick resolution is unlikely.

The Media Rights Puzzle

Beyond the CBA, MLB faces a rapidly evolving media landscape. The league is preparing to bring its national media rights to market while simultaneously seeking to gain control of local/in-market distribution. This dual strategy is complicated by the decline of traditional pay-TV and the rise of streaming services.

The recent NFL media rights deals, with CBS agreeing to pay approximately $3.1 billion per year, set a high bar. However, the differing dynamics between football and baseball – particularly the creator-focused model of platforms like YouTube – mean MLB’s negotiations will be unique. MLB’s current three-year stopgap deal includes NBC, ESPN, and Netflix, with Netflix carrying exclusive Opening Night games.

The RSN Collapse and League Control

The unraveling of Regional Sports Networks (RSNs) adds another layer of complexity. As RSNs like those operated by FanDuel Sports Network wind down, Manfred’s plan to collectivize local rights gains urgency. This would involve MLB taking control of distribution in local markets, a move that could face resistance from high-value franchises like the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers.

The Dodgers, currently under an $8.35 billion deal with SportsNet LA, may be reluctant to cede control of their lucrative local broadcast revenue. Convincing teams with existing, favorable RSN deals to participate in a league-controlled system will be a major hurdle.

Expansion and Realignment

MLB also aims to expand to 32 clubs, potentially leading to a realignment of divisions along geographical lines. This expansion, while potentially boosting revenue, adds another logistical and competitive consideration to an already crowded agenda.

Navigating the New Landscape

The success of MLB’s future hinges on its ability to navigate these challenges. The league must balance the interests of owners, players, and fans while adapting to a changing media environment.

Pro Tip:

Maintain an eye on the evolving relationship between MLB and streaming services. Netflix’s initial foray into baseball broadcasting could be a bellwether for future deals.

FAQ

Q: What is the biggest threat to MLB right now?

A: The expiring CBA and the potential for a work stoppage are the most immediate threats.

Q: What is MLB’s plan for local media rights?

A: MLB wants to take control of local media rights distribution, moving away from the current RSN model.

Q: Will MLB expand to 32 teams?

A: Expansion is a goal, but the timing and location of new franchises are still to be determined.

Q: What role will streaming play in MLB’s future?

A: Streaming services are expected to play an increasingly important role in distributing MLB games, as traditional pay-TV declines.

Did you know? MLB’s 1994-95 strike, lasting 232 days, remains the longest work stoppage in the league’s history, resulting in the cancellation of the World Series.

Desire to learn more about the evolving dynamics of sports media? Explore our other articles on the topic. Share your thoughts on the future of MLB in the comments below!

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Sport

Baseball Media Deals: Impact Beyond the Salary Cap

by Chief Editor
written by Chief Editor

The Shifting Sands of MLB: Beyond the Salary Cap Debate

Major League Baseball stands at a crossroads. While the looming labor battle and the potential for a salary cap dominate headlines, a more fundamental shift is underway – a disruption to the financial ecosystem that has long fueled the sport. The future of MLB isn’t just about how much players are paid; it’s about how baseball gets paid and how those revenues are distributed.

The Cord-Cutting Crisis and the Future of Local Broadcasts

For decades, cable television provided a stable revenue stream for MLB teams through partnerships with regional sports networks (RSNs). This model is crumbling as viewers cut the cord and embrace streaming services. The bankruptcy of Diamond Sports Group (DSG), formerly the largest operator of RSNs, served as a stark warning. Though rebranded as Main Street Sports Group, its financial difficulties persist, leading to the termination of agreements with numerous MLB clubs.

MLB is stepping in to produce broadcasts for 14 of its 30 teams this season, ensuring games remain accessible. However, these arrangements are significantly less lucrative than previous deals. This disparity exacerbates the financial gap between substantial-market teams – like the Dodgers, Yankees, and Red Sox – who can absorb the losses or have alternative revenue streams, and smaller-market clubs who rely heavily on local broadcast revenue.

The Promise and Peril of National Streaming Deals

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred recognizes the need for a new revenue model and is eyeing a national streaming package once current broadcast deals with Fox, NBC, ESPN, TNT Sports, Netflix, and Apple expire in 2028. Atlanta Braves owner Terry McGuirk estimates such a deal could be worth a staggering $100 billion over 11 years – more than five times MLB’s current national revenue.

A national streaming deal offers several advantages: expanded reach into growing international markets like Japan, Korea, and Taiwan, and the elimination of out-of-market blackouts. With nearly half of local broadcasting rights already under MLB control, the league has a substantial inventory to offer streaming services.

The Big Market vs. Small Market Dilemma

Securing a lucrative national streaming deal isn’t a guaranteed win. Manfred faces the challenge of convincing big-market clubs to participate, as their existing local broadcast deals provide a significant competitive advantage. The Dodgers’ $344 million annual deal with Charter, for example, allows them to maintain a substantial payroll advantage.

To truly level the playing field, any national deal must be coupled with adjustments to MLB’s revenue-sharing program. This is where the salary cap debate intersects with the broader financial challenges facing the league. Owners argue a cap is necessary to save the sport, but a massive influx of cash from a streaming deal could benefit all clubs, regardless of a cap’s implementation.

Expansion and Realignment on the Horizon

Beyond the financial landscape, MLB is also considering expansion. Commissioner Manfred has expressed a desire to add two teams, bringing the total to 32. This expansion would likely be accompanied by divisional realignment, potentially along geographic lines to reduce travel burdens for players.

Manfred envisions a structure of eight four-team divisions, prioritizing geographic proximity to create more logical matchups, particularly during the playoffs. He also hinted at a potential shift away from the traditional American League and National League structure, towards an Eastern and Western League setup similar to the NBA and NHL.

Local Players Making Waves in Spring Training

As spring training gets underway, several local players are vying for a spot on their respective MLB rosters. Ben Rice and Cam Schlittler (New York Yankees), Sal Frelick (Milwaukee Brewers), Mike Yastrzemski (Atlanta Braves), and Matt Shaw (Chicago Cubs) are among those competing for playing time. Several others, including Shane Smith, Sean Burke, Sean Newcomb, and Mike Vasil, are in contention for starting rotation spots with the Chicago White Sox and Tampa Bay Rays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the biggest threat to MLB’s financial stability?
A: The decline of regional sports networks (RSNs) due to cord-cutting and the shift to streaming services.

Q: Could a salary cap actually help smaller-market teams?
A: It’s a complex issue. While a cap could limit spending by big-market teams, it could also restrict the ability of smaller-market teams to invest in player development and scouting.

Q: When could MLB expand?
A: Expansion is likely within the next decade, potentially after the Athletics complete their move to Las Vegas and the Tampa Bay Rays secure a new stadium.

Q: What is MLB doing to address the loss of revenue from local broadcasts?
A: MLB is producing broadcasts for 14 of its 30 teams and actively pursuing a national streaming deal.

Did you grasp? The NBA’s new national TV deals are worth approximately $7 billion annually, significantly more than MLB’s current $2 billion.

Pro Tip: Retain an eye on MLB’s negotiations with streaming services. The outcome of those talks will have a profound impact on the future of the sport.

What are your thoughts on the future of MLB? Share your opinions in the comments below!

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