Comcast's New "Sports & News TV" Package: Is It Right for You?

Comcast has just launched a new streaming package aimed squarely at sports and news fans: Sports & News TV. At first glance, it seems like a decent option for budget-conscious cord-cutters, but there are some important caveats to consider. Let's dive into the details and see if this package is a slam dunk or a fumble.

What You Get (and What You Don't)

For $70 per month (when bundled with Xfinity internet), Sports & News TV offers a streamlined selection of channels, including:

• Live Sports: ESPN, FS1, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, GOLF Channel, and SEC Network. This covers major college and professional sports, but notably missing are TNT and TBS, which air events like March Madness and some NBA games.
• News Channels: You get your local broadcast channels, plus national favorites like CNBC, CNN, FOX News, and MSNBC.
• Peacock Premium: This is a nice bonus, giving you access to more live sports (Premier League, WWE), original shows, and next-day access to NBC programs.
• Cloud DVR: 300 hours of storage for recording games and shows.

Important Note: The package does not include regional sports networks (RSNs), so if you're a die-hard fan of a local team, you'll need to look elsewhere.

Supported Platforms:

You can access Sports & News TV on a variety of devices using the Xfinity Stream app:

• Streaming Devices: Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV
• Mobile Devices: iOS and Android smartphones and tablets
• Computers: Access through the Xfinity Stream website using a web browser on Windows, macOS, Chrome OS, and Linux computers. Chrome OS also offers a dedicated app.

Pricing and Availability: Not a Home Run for Everyone

The $70 price tag is tempting, but there are a few catches:

• Xfinity Internet Required: You need to be an Xfinity internet customer to get that price. Otherwise, it's $90 per month.
• Location, Location, Location: The service is only available within Comcast's cable service areas. This is a major limitation, excluding a significant portion of potential customers.
• No Google TV App: Surprisingly, there's no native app for Google TV, the number 3 streaming platform in the US. This means roughly 1 in 5 streamers might not be able to easily access the service on their preferred device.

Who's the Target Audience?

This package seems ideal for:

• Budget-conscious sports fans who primarily watch national games.
• News junkies who want a mix of local and national coverage.
• Those seeking a simplified TV experience without a lot of extra channels.

It's probably not the best fit for:

• Fans who need RSNs for local team coverage.
• Those who want a wide variety of entertainment channels.
• People who primarily use Google TV as their streaming device.

Comparing the Competition

Compared to other live TV streaming services like YouTube TV and Hulu+Live TV, Sports & News TV offers a lower price but with fewer channels and a more limited scope. It's also important to consider alternatives like DirecTV's new MySports package, which offers a different channel lineup and has the advantage of being available nationwide.

Speaking of MySports...

If you're interested in learning more about nationwide sports streaming options, stay tuned for my upcoming deep dive into DirecTV MySports, where we'll explore its potential to shake up the sports streaming landscape and uncover some unexpected implications for the future of sports viewing!

My Streaming Life is all about finding the best value and flexibility, and this new Comcast package certainly offers food for thought. It might be a slam dunk for some, but it's important to be aware of its limitations before you sign up.