Is Peacock about to solidify its sports lineup with regional sports networks? That’s the report from The Wall Street Journal.
According to the article, Peacock will begin offering NBC-owned RSNs in early 2025. That makes Peacock much more attractive for sports fans in Boston, Philadelphia, and California. Currently, the NBC-owned RSNs are only available on DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo, Hulu Live TV, and YouTube TV. Peacock would offer those channels at a far lower monthly price.
Peacock would likely offer these channels for an additional price on top of the normal subscription. We don’t know if all viewers in an area would have to pay for the channels whether they watch them or not.
One of the big problems with the regional sports model is that all subscribers in an area have to pay the fees when paying for a live TV provider. If you subscribe to Fubo in Chicago, for example, you still have to pay a hidden $15/month fee, even though Fubo doesn’t carry Chicago Sports Network (Bulls, Blackhawks, and White Sox). Fubo offers Marquee Sports Network in Chicago, so all viewers must pay, even if they don’t want to watch the Cubs.
Sports fans who live in some areas have the option to stream regional sports networks with the standalone Bally Sports+, and more team-specific streamers are coming online every year. NBA fans can cut the cord with Altitude+, BlazerVision, Gotham Sports App or Suns Live, for example. The prices for such services vary wildly, but you’re usually paying a premium for channels that would normally be bundled at a discount.
The regional sports landscape has never been more confusing. Your best option is usually DIRECTV STREAM, though it can be expensive (the RSNs unlock at $114.99 / month). If Peacock follows through with this plan, it will provide another option, but it also complicates the already-complicated sports streaming landscape. As always, The Streamable will be here to guide you on how to find your favorite sports teams.
| DTV STREAM | Fubo | Hulu | Philo | Sling TV | YouTube | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free Trial | Free Trial | Free 3-Day Trial | Free Trial | Get 50% OFF | Sign Up | |||
| $86.99 | $94.99 | $76.99 | $28 | $40 | $40 | $72.99 | ||
| NBC Sports Bay Area | + $28 | ✓ | ✓ | - | - | - | ✓ | |
| NBC Sports Boston | + $28 | ✓ | ✓ | - | - | - | ✓ | |
| NBC Sports California | + $28 | ✓ | ✓ | - | - | - | ✓ | |
| NBC Sports Philadelphia | - | ✓ | ✓ | - | - | - | ✓ | |
What Sports Does Peacock Offer Now?
Peacock has a great lineup of sports, making it a strong addition to any sports fan’s lineup. The platform proved its value during the 2024 Summer Olympics, when the Gold Zone option provided the best-ever viewing experience for the games.
- Big Ten Men’s and Women’s Basketball
- English Premier League soccer
- WWE events
- Golf
- SuperMotocross
- Figure Skating
- IndyCar
- Big Ten Football
- Notre Dame football
- Notre Dame hockey
- Sunday Night Football
- Track & Field
- NASCAR
- IMSA
- Cycling
- Horse racing
- Snow sports
- The Olympics
How Much Does Peacock Cost?
Peacock offers two tiers: ad-supported ($7.99 / month) or ad-free ($13.99 / month).
There is no free trial.
Peacock
Peacock is a subscription video streaming service from NBCUniversal that includes original shows, blockbuster movies, and classic television series. Peacock is home to “Yellowstone,” and “The Office,” as well as original hits like “Poker Face” and “Bel-Air.” You can also watch live sports including NFL, MLB, WWE, Olympics, Premier League, NASCAR, French Open, College Football and Basketball, and PGA Tour. Premium Plus subscribers can stream their local NBC feed in all 210 markets.