Opening Week is upon us and Major League Baseball teams have already started their quest to win this season's World Series, while fans all over gear up for what will hopefully be a very exciting year. And for those who can't make it to the ballpark on a regular basis, keeping up with their favorite team has become a relatively easy feat. A few weeks ago, the MLB, NBA, NHL and others struck a partnership with Time Inc. to launch 120 Sports, with the idea being to provide an online hub that delivers sports video content in a timely manner and across different platforms. This announcement came shortly after the introduction of NFL Now, an all-new digital network that aims to immerse football fans in the ultimate viewing experience -- there will be full on-demand games, highlights, analysis and a lot more to watch.
Both initiatives signal how American sports leagues are adapting to the times by introducing viewing experiences that aren't necessarily tied to being at home. Not everyone will be satisfied with the way the content is delivered, but it's worth acknowledging that leagues like the NFL, NBA and MLB are going the extra mile to try to give people what they want.
Of course, these services often face limitations due to contracts with TV broadcasters, which make things like showing all live games, in the case of NFL Now, practically impossible in the US. But if catching your local team playing live doesn't matter that much, chances are you won't be disappointed. Not all services are limited in this way, though. MLB.TV, for example, does offer regular season games to watch live, with some blackout restrictions -- and the same is true for offerings from a number of other professional leagues. The blackouts might be considered a downside for some, but if you're a transplant, these services are all but made for you. So, if you're from California and (wisely) make the move to The Big Apple, you'll be able to catch, say, the Oakland A's live. As for you non-transplants, MLB does make in-market games available at least 90 minutes after each game is finished.
The limitations that come stock with these services are the result of broadcasting agreements that have been in place for years, and they will continue to be for many more to come. For instance, when questioned about the lack of live games, NFL Now General Manager Cory Mummery said to us, "The NFL is very happy with our long-standing relationships with our broadcast and cable partners, and NFL Now should serve as an additive experience to live television consumption." Now, we shouldn't be surprised to hear this, since the NFL's business with US network and cable/satellite providers is worth billions and billions of dollars. Until that changes, customers shouldn't expect drastic changes in the way the NFL, or anyone else, handles the way it delivers its games. "We are not planning to include live games at this time for our domestic users, but may consider offering some live game content to our international fans," Mummery told Engadget.
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