The Gemini Air device allows DirecTV subscribers to stream genre-based and signature TV packages over the Internet instead of via satellite. (Courtesy images, Graphic by The Desk)
DirecTV is expanding the number of independently-owned ABC, CBS and NBC affiliates available through its streaming MySports package, just in time for the start of the National Football League’s (NFL) regular season.
On Thursday, a spokesperson for DirecTV told The Desk by e-mail that the pay television provider has reached an agreement with nearly all independent broadcast station groups to bring their major-network affiliates into the MySports package, which already includes local Fox stations and affiliates, league-owned channels like NFL Network and national sports networks like ESPN.
DirecTV now has more than 130 agreements that cover around 650 local outlets. Those agreements include distribution deals with Gray Media, Sinclair, TEGNA, the E. W. Scripps Company and Hearst Television, along with Cox Media, Graham Media, Allen Media Group, Hubbard Broadcasting, Sunbeam Television, Weigel Broadcasting, News Press & Gazette Company and Capitol Broadcasting. Channels from Nexstar Media Group were already available under a previous distribution deal with DirecTV.
As of this month, DirecTV says MySports carries 160 ABC affiliates, 156 CBS stations, 163 NBC affiliates and 178 Fox outlets. In total, the company estimates MySports subscribers now have access to ABC stations in 90 percent of U.S. households, CBS stations in 85 percent, NBC in 99 percent and Fox in 96 percent.
Rob Thun, the Chief Content Officer at DirecTV, said the expansion was intended to provide customers with broader access to live sports programming while strengthening the value proposition of the package.
“We created MySports to provide consumers more choice and flexibility in their viewing options while creating exceptional value,” Thun said. “We have always been a sports leader, especially with respect to local sports, and appreciate the widespread support from America’s broadcasters in creating these more consumer-friendly programming options.”
In addition to broadcast stations, MySports includes access to ESPN Unlimited, a new streaming service launched by Disney, at no extra cost. Subscribers also receive Warner Bros. Discovery networks TNT, TBS and Tru TV, which carry postseason baseball, the NCAA men’s basketball tournament and NHL playoffs. NBC Universal’s suite of sports channels are also included, along with league-owned outlets like NFL Network, MLB Network, NBA TV and NHL Network.
MySports customers also gain entry to DirecTV’s own free, ad-supported sports channels. Those include ACC Digital Network, Big 12, ESPN 8 The Ocho, Fox Sports, Fuel TV, NBC GolfPass, NBC Sports Now, Pickleball TV, Racing America, Surfer TV, Swerve, Willow and the Women’s Sports Network. Three new channels — All Women’s Sports, Billiard TV and Wired 2 Fish TV — are set to debut on September 16.
DirecTV launched MySports earlier this year as an alternative to pricier cable sports tiers, positioning the package as a way for customers to follow their favorite teams without paying extra for channels they don’t watch. The plan costs $70 per month.
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