Sinclair Broadcast Group’s highly anticipated direct-to-consumer regional sports streaming service has finally launched — at least a beta version of it has.
Major League Baseball fans can now subscribe to Bally Sports Plus in five markets: Detroit, Kansas City, Miami and Tampa Bay.
The service will expand into other markets where Bally Sports owns RSNs later this year. Additional marketing support will also come to the app after the MLB All-Star break.
“The first thing we’re focused on is the quality of the video,” Rob Weisbord, Sinclair’s chief operating officer and president of broadcast, told Broadcasting+Cable ahead of the launch. “The games themselves are our tent poles so there’s a heightened level of scrutiny. We have to be on par with the Netflixes and the Disney Pluses.”
“We want to entice the Xbox generation,” Weisbord said. “That’s who we envision as being the heavy app user and they’re used to interactivity. If we build up the interactivity, they’ll stay with the games longer, even if it’s a blowout.”
Bally Sports Plus is the second DTC sports service to launch. New England Sports Network released NESN 360 in early June. NESN, which is only available in the New England region, offers Boston Red Sox and Boston Bruins content.
How Do I Watch Bally Sports Plus?
Bally Sports Plus is available via BallySports.com, iOS and Android mobile and tablet devices, as well as tvOS, Android TV, and Amazon Fire TV. Support for other platforms, including Roku, is expected later this year.
Is Bally Sports Plus Free?
Bally Sports Plus isn't free. Fans will have to shell out $19.99 a month or $189.99 a year to watch their favorite teams.
Is Bally Sports Plus a Standalone Streaming App?
No. Bally Sports Plus is available within the Bally Sports app or on BallySportsPlus.com.
What Regions Can I Watch Bally Sports Plus in?
Bally Sports Plus is currently available in five markets: Detroit, Kansas City, Miami, Milwaukee and Tampa Bay.
The direct-to-consumer service will land in additional markets where Bally Sports has regional sports networks in the third quarter.
