I wrote the other day about my frustration with MLB.TV. As a Braves fan living in Georgia, I am incredibly disappointed that MLB.TV's blackout restrictions made it impossible for me to watch my local team's games live. It feels like a slap in the face to loyal fans like myself who were looking for a way to cut the cord and still enjoy America's pastime.
And this isn't new. These blackouts have been going on for years, ever since MLB.TV launched. It's incredibly frustrating to be told that a service that promises "every game" actually excludes the ones I care about most.
But there's good news on the horizon! While MLB.TV remains useless for me in terms of watching the Braves live, a new streaming service has emerged as a potential savior: FanDuel Sports Network.
FanDuel Sports Network to the Rescue (Maybe)
FanDuel Sports Network has stepped up to the plate with a direct-to-consumer streaming option that includes live Atlanta Braves games. This is a game-changer for Braves fans in my area who have been yearning for an affordable and accessible way to watch their team without a cable subscription.
For $19.99 a month or $105.99 for the season, FanDuel Sports Network offers a compelling alternative. While it's not MLB.TV, and it means adding another service to my streaming lineup, it's a much more palatable option than the expensive cable packages or the limited offerings of MLB.TV.
I haven't yet decided if I'll subscribe to FanDuel Sports Network, but I'm seriously considering it. It's great to finally have a viable option for watching my Braves without having to resort to cable or relying on illegal streaming sites.
A Growing Trend: 22 Teams and Counting
The even better news is that the Braves aren't alone. According to Phillip Swann of TV Answer Man, a total of 22 MLB teams now offer standalone streaming apps for their fans. You can check out his blog post here: TV Answer Man: 22 MLB Teams Now Have a Standalone Streaming App – Here’s the List & Pricing Details. This is a fantastic development that shows the league is finally starting to recognize the needs of cord-cutters and those who want more flexible viewing options.
A Call for Continued Change
While the emergence of FanDuel Sports Network and other team-specific streaming services is a positive step, it doesn't completely solve the problem. MLB.TV, with its comprehensive coverage and multi-platform access, still has the potential to be the ultimate streaming solution for baseball fans. But the blackout restrictions continue to hold it back and make it impossible for many fans to watch their favorite teams.
I urge MLB to reconsider its blackout policies and find a way to offer a blackout-free version of MLB.TV, even if it comes at a premium price. Fans deserve the option to watch their favorite teams without being tethered to outdated cable packages or forced to subscribe to multiple streaming services.
The Future of MLB Streaming
The rise of standalone streaming apps for MLB teams gives me hope for the future of baseball viewing. As more teams embrace this model, it puts pressure on MLB to find solutions that benefit all fans.
In the meantime, I'll be keeping a close eye on FanDuel Sports Network and other streaming options, hoping that one day soon, I'll be able to watch my Braves without any restrictions.
My Streaming Life follows the money, and FanDuel Sports Network offers the best value for watching live Braves games, even if it means adding another service to my lineup.
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