SportsNet New York (SNY) has officially entered the direct-to-consumer (DTC) streaming space, launching a standalone service that allows New York Mets fans to watch games without a traditional cable subscription. This move makes SNY the first third-party regional sports network (RSN) to offer in-market streaming directly through Major League Baseball’s (MLB) digital ecosystem.
Key Details:
- The service is available through the MLB App for $24.99 monthly, $124.99 for the season, or $149.99 annually.
- Cable subscribers can authenticate their access, but the SNY standalone app will be discontinued in March.
- The offering includes MLB’s advanced streaming features, such as live stats, pitch tracking, highlights, and full-game replays.
- Fans can bundle SNY’s in-market Mets coverage with MLB.TV for out-of-market games.
This marks a significant shift in the RSN model, as SNY has chosen to integrate with MLB rather than build its own streaming service. SNY President Steve Raab emphasized that the decision was based on efficiency, stating that MLB’s experience in digital streaming, both on the front and back end, made the partnership the right move.
A Strategic Move in a Changing Media Landscape
SNY has been considering various DTC options, including independent services or partnerships with existing media entities like NBC, which has a partial ownership stake in the network. Ultimately, MLB’s infrastructure and expertise won out.
Raab addressed concerns about cannibalizing linear TV viewership, explaining that SNY’s approach was designed to complement existing distribution rather than compete with it. “We’ve worked closely with our partners to ensure that this product expands our audience rather than undercuts our traditional reach,” he said.
SNY expects to reach mid-five figures in subscriptions in its first year, a target Raab believes is highly achievable. This is especially true given the heightened interest in the Mets, bolstered by the arrival of star outfielder Juan Soto.
The Take
The launch of SNY’s DTC service is part of a broader trend as MLB continues to eliminate blackouts and expand access to local broadcasts. Twenty-two teams now offer some form of in-market streaming, and the league has indicated that a centralized streaming service could be available in the future.
By integrating SNY into its digital ecosystem, MLB further consolidates its role in the evolving sports media landscape. This could set the stage for additional partnerships with other RSNs navigating the transition from traditional TV to digital-first distribution.
With this move, Mets fans have greater flexibility in following their team, and SNY is positioning itself at the forefront of the industry’s digital transformation.
