SportsNet Pittsburgh Launches Affordable Streaming Service for Non-Cable Subscribers

The regional sports network that broadcasts Pittsburgh’s MLB and NHL teams, SportsNet Pittsburgh, has announced a new direct-to-consumer streaming service called SNP 360. The platform will cost $17.99 per month for viewers in its local market who don’t subscribe to cable TV bundles but still want to watch Pirates and Penguins games outside of their usual channels. Those with a pay-TV subscription can also access the app. This move comes as regional sports networks face challenges due to the shift towards streaming, which has affected the traditional pay-TV bundle model that supports billions in fees paid by these networks for professional sports teams’ broadcasting rights. However, SportsNet Pittsburgh CEO Sean McGrail stated that they are trying to be flexible and support fans who have abandoned linear TV bundles entirely through SNP 360’s affordable price point of $17.99 per month, lower than most other regional sports streaming services in the market today. The new service is a response to the growing number of people cutting cords as they opt for online alternatives over traditional broadcasting options offered by networks such as NESN ($29.99 or $180 annually) and YES Network (starts at $24.99 monthly). As with Diamond Sports, which owns a majority stake in some regional sports channels, these networks remain cautious about pricing to avoid disrupting pay-TV model contracts that help fund the billions of dollars they spend on professional teams’ broadcast rights fees annually.