The world of sports streaming has never been more complex. With the rise of various platforms and leagues seeking to capitalize on their media rights, the cost of accessing live sports content is skyrocketing. In the United States, for instance, streaming a full season of NFL games can cost a whopping $857.86, with multiple services required to access all the games.

This phenomenon is not unique to the NFL. The NBA has signed an extraordinary 11-year, $76 billion deal to air games with Disney, Comcast, and Amazon, starting with the 2025-2026 season. This deal will see games scattered across multiple platforms, including Peacock, NBC regional affiliates, ESPN, and Amazon, making it difficult for fans to keep track of where to watch their favorite teams.

The issue is further complicated by the rise of sports betting, which has become a significant revenue stream for leagues. The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) of 1992 was overturned in 2018, allowing states to legalize sports betting. Since then, the industry has grown exponentially, with revenue reaching $11 billion in 2023. This has led to a new avenue of media rights that leagues can sell, although these deals are often opaque.

The impact of this fragmentation is being felt by viewers, who are forced to subscribe to multiple services to access the content they want. This can be costly, with the total cost of streaming a full season of NFL games being a prime example. The situation is likely to worsen as more leagues and platforms enter the fray, driving up costs and making it increasingly difficult for fans to access live sports content.

The NBA's deal with Disney, Comcast, and Amazon is a prime example of this trend. The league will receive a significant increase in revenue, but fans will be forced to navigate a complex web of platforms to access games. This could lead to a situation where fans are forced to choose between their favorite teams and their wallets, as the cost of accessing live sports content continues to rise.

The rise of sports betting is also having a significant impact on the industry. With revenue projected to reach almost $24 billion by the end of the decade, it is likely to eclipse the revenue of major sports leagues. This has led to a shift in focus, with leagues seeking to capitalize on this new revenue stream. However, this could lead to a situation where the interests of fans are neglected, as leagues prioritize revenue over accessibility.

In conclusion, the future of sports streaming is looking increasingly fragmented. With leagues and platforms driving up costs and making it difficult for fans to access live sports content, the situation is likely to worsen in the coming years. As the industry continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how fans will be affected and whether leagues will prioritize their interests over revenue.