Sports Network Owned by Sinclair to be Omitted from YouTube TV's Lineup
Losing More Sports Action on YouTube TV
It's time to bid farewell to another sports channel on YouTube TV, the Tennis Channel, owned by Sinclair. YouTube TV subscribers were informed via email this week that come Monday, they'll no longer be able to stream the channel live or access any recordings of it.
Why the split? YouTube's agreement with Sinclair to carry the Tennis Channel expired at the end of November. A spokesperson for YouTube explained that their objective is to offer users their favorite content, the way they like it. Unfortunately, their deal with the Tennis Channel has expired, and as of November 30, the channel will no longer be accessible to YouTube TV members. The spokesperson regretted the inconvenience this causes.
Sinclair hasn't responded to a request for comment yet.
This sports setback follows another blow back in September when YouTube TV dropped Fox Regional Sports Networks, another Sinclair property. At that time, YouTube TV couldn't reach a long-term agreement with Sinclair to keep the channels running after the shutdown of MLB, NBA, and NHL seasons.
Barry Faber, Sinclair's president of distribution and network relations, was disappointed that YouTube would discontinue the RSNs but mentioned ongoing talks to find a solution. However, the RSNs have also disappeared from Hulu and Fubo TV, two other excellent cable alternatives for live TV streaming, suggesting Sinclair's terms may not be as 'mutually acceptable' as they claim.
The media landscape is undergoing rapid transformation, moving from traditional cable to digital and direct-to-consumer platforms. This shift has led to a decline in cable revenues, which impacts the regional sports networks (RSNs) and traditional broadcasters. Sinclair's economic struggles, debt, and the difficulties faced by subsidiaries like Diamond Sports Group have affected their agreements. Add to that carriage disputes, fierce competition, and regulatory risks, and it's a tough race for Sinclair to stay in the game.
- The future of tech-savvy sports enthusiasts may face more inconvenience as they look to alternative channels for live streaming, with the tech giant YouTube TV no longer offering the Tennis Channel starting Monday.
- The tech world has been abuzz with the news of more sports channels disappearing from digital platforms, as the Tennis Channel, owned by Sinclair, joins Fox Regional Sports Networks in leaving YouTube TV.
- The media landscape is experiencing a significant upheaval, with tech channels such as Gizmodo examining the shift from traditional cable to digital and direct-to-consumer platforms, where Sinclair is facing economic struggles and carriage disputes.
- As more sports channels are pulled from popular streaming platforms like YouTube TV, returning subscribers may find the landscape for live sports streaming becoming less convenient and more complex, signifying a potential change in the way fans engage with their favorite sports in the upcoming tech-focused future.
