NBA Nearing Deal to Allow Live Local Game Streams
In a piece of news that should make on-the-go hoops fans happy enough to kiss their iPhones, it appears that the NBA is closing in on a deal that will allow cable subscribers to stream local games.
According to John Ourand and John Lombardo of SportsBusinessDaily.com:
"The league is finalizing TV Everywhere deals with Fox Sports Media Group and NBC Sports Group, the country’s two biggest owners of regional sports networks. Other RSNs, such as Root Sports, MSG, Time Warner Cable Sports, and Altitude Sports and Entertainment, are expected to offer live in-market streaming later this season.
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In other words: Productivity, you're screwed.
Once the deal is done, fans will be able to watch their local teams on mobile devices, computers and tablets. As long as you subscribe to whatever cable or satellite package carries your favorite team's local broadcasts, you'll be able to log in and stream games from anywhere. This'll be a boon for anyone whose employer frowns upon televisions in the workplace.
Working late in Chicago and can't tune in to the Bulls game on TV? No problem, whip out your phone and watch Derrick Rose and Co. on the sneak.
That hasn't been an option in the past, as even subscribers to the NBA's League Pass package were prevented from streaming local broadcasts. But the days of regional blackouts are about to be history.
For now, only the 24 NBA teams whose broadcasts appear on Fox Sports and NBC/Comcast affiliates will be available for streaming. That means the New York Knicks, Brooklyn Nets, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Denver Nuggets and Utah Jazz aren't on board just yet.
As Ourand and Lombardo reported, though, they'll get streaming services up and running at some point during the 2013-14 campaign.
No other American professional sports league has made the decision to allow streaming local broadcasts, but the NBA has always been on the technological forefront. As new generations of fans continue to move away from television in favor of phones and tablets, making it possible for them to watch NBA games wherever they want is a logical move.
This is a great thing for anyone who wants to avoid being tied to the TV, as well as those stuck working late.
Night-shift supervisors are probably less enthused.
