It’s no secret that streaming services have not only become omnipresent but also a source for excellence in programming in today's society. The cattle call leaving cable for these services is overwhelming. The rationale is simple; low price, ability to obtain it virtually anywhere, and an incredible and attractive variety of shows and movies. There is no wonder there is a rise in streaming live sports. 

According to CNBC, 57 percent of the public has some form of streaming service.

Due to the large amounts of people switching to streaming platforms; however, cable conglomerates are starting to join the party. Consumers now have a large variety of streaming platforms to choose from. Here are a few: 

  • Hulu
  • Netflix
  • Amazon Video
  • CBS All Access
  • FuboTV
  • Philo
  • Disney+
  • ...and more!

With more and more streaming platforms popping up, what does that mean for us as consumers?

Well first, I think it is clear and obvious that at some point the streaming platforms will need to merge to succeed. Consumers are simply not going to continue to pile up streaming services until they reach the same spending level as they had with cable...

Verizon and Disney+ is an example of this. The two came together to offer a free year of Disney+  streaming with an unlimited Verizon plan. Spotify and Hulu also offer a deal together where you get the basic plan of Hulu with the premium version of Spotify. 

The question also arises are they going to have advertising?  Some platforms are known for not having commercials and that's why consumers love them. Netflix is an example of this. Other platforms, like Hulu, have options. The basic version allows ads and commercials while each version after allows less or no commercials and more shows/videos available. 

Next, and most germane to our world, what about sports? What is the future of sports and streaming?

Sports are the one thing in live T.V. that are actually still accumulating viewers consistently. So while some networks are scrambling to get on streaming platforms to help with views, sports do not need to be streamed online to be successful.

But that does not mean they won’t. It also does not mean they have not already, because let's be honest, they have. 

Some of the services that have started steaming sports are: 

  • ESPN+
  • Fubo TV
  • Amazon
  • Yahoo
  • Google Plus
  • CBS All Access 
  • Youtube TV
  • Twitch Prime 
  • UFC Fight Pass
  • ...and more! 

Now you can’t get all the games and shows that you would on cable on one individual streaming service. You have to pick and choose. Some of the platforms, like ESPN+, even have shows on their platform that you can’t get anywhere else. That is a dangerous proposition when you get out of the “minor” sports, teams, and leagues. Are you minimizing your opportunities for exposure and ultimately revenue just for the sake of an upfront rights fee?

Many of these streaming platforms also partner with other services to provide deals and packages as well. For example, ESPN+ has a partnership with Hulu and Disney+ where you can get all three services for one lump sum. 

Another question that goes into play is how will the growth of streaming sports change advertising. We can assure you that commercial breaks in live sports are not going away, but could they be curtailed? The live cutaways offer the viewer a constant view into the action while the commercial runs seem to be trending. However, if the ultimate result is lower sponsor revenue for failed responses, then this trend will stop quickly.

Sponsors and commercials are critical in sports. Will sponsorships and the way we view commercials change or be altered as sports streaming evolves? Only time will tell, but we are excited to see. 

Sports already dominates cable, so it won’t be long before it takes over streaming as well. We’re interested to see how this goes into play and how advertising and packages will adapt to this streaming online growth.