Streaming the Future of TV – And the Price Tag That Makes You Cry
In August 2022, Ofcom spilled the beans: teens aged 16‑24 were only swapping decks with traditional broadcast TV for a mere 53 minutes a day. Meanwhile, they’re binge‑watching whatever hits up at Netflix, Amazon Prime, DAZN, and the rest of the streaming crew. The shift? It’s faster than your phone’s internet connection and showing no signs of slowing down.
Sporting Events – From Landlines to Livestreams
Sure, we still get Wimbledon and the Olympics on free‑to‑air TV in the UK, but over the last five years streaming giants like Amazon and DAZN have been padding their rosters. Netflix, meanwhile, is quietly laying down the groundwork: sports documentaries and a bold plan to launch its own live‑streamed show, hinting at future rights to real‑time action.
Betting sites aren’t just about numbers anymore. 10Bet and BetVictor now offer commercial‑grade feeds of NBA and ATP matches, letting you double‑check your picks while you’re waiting for the next play.
Amazon Prime’s Premier League Gamble
Amazon Prime entered the UK in 2019 with the “big” promise: 20 Premier League games exclusively for them. But hold on – that’s just two match‑days per season. The rest of the rights are split between Sky Sports and BT Sport. Even if that feels like a “big” win, it’s a bit on the old‑school side. Crucial fixtures, like the “big game” between Leeds and Manchester United, vanished from all UK screens, leaving fans frustrated.
- Estimated monthly cost: about £50
- Fans only get access to 30‑45% of weekend games
- Picture and sound for the rest? You’ll need the “goody” packages.
DAZN’s playing hand says they’ll contest the bidding round, and Amazon’s looking to bump up their current deal – meaning more details will have to be ironed out.
MLS, Apple, and the Direct‑to‑Consumer Dream
The MLS may not have the same prestige as the Premier League, but Apple has struck a glorious, ten‑year, all‑match deal with the league. This means:
- Every match, multiple replays, exclusive commentary, and behind‑the‑scenes content
- No more chasing the “next one” on a tacked‑on channel
- One single platform, less confusion, and a lower wallet hit
It’s a win‑win for the fans, and the NFL+ and NBA League Pass are doing the same. All the big league action is now easy to find, and you no longer need to juggle multiple subscriptions.
La Liga’s All‑In Approach
In Spain, La Liga has a streaming service that covers each game, live or replayed. The schedule’s natural staggered times make this work great. Premium fans and even the budget radios can catch every battle. The Premier League could follow suit, giving fans a single door into the entire season.
But there’s a snag. The current Queen’s £5‑million‑plus-per-game deal feels insane, and a single streamer just can’t match the lingo of Sky and BT. British fans are losing out – the price tag is so high folks can’t afford to watch everything. Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, fans say it’s a hard pill to swallow.
And so, the dance between cable and streaming continues, with fans looking for a better, cheaper, and smarter deal.
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