Mets Launch Subscription Streaming Service Amid Streaming Trend

NEW YORK, N.Y. — SportsNet New York (SNY) will debut a subscription streaming service on February 18, 2025, allowing New York Mets fans to watch games without needing a traditional cable package. This move aligns with Major League Baseball’s effort to reduce frustrating blackouts for fans who have transitioned away from traditional TV.

Mets fans can choose between monthly ($24.99), seasonal ($124.99), or annual ($149.99) subscriptions. Commissioner Rob Manfred emphasized the importance of providing fans with alternative access to games. “As long as that digital product is out there, the fan has an option to get the games, and that’s really important,” he said.

This initiative marks SNY as the ninth regional sports network to introduce a standalone in-market streaming option this year and the first to partner with MLB for such a launch. The collaboration is part of MLB’s desire to secure more national broadcasting deals with streaming giants, which would require cooperation from high-profile teams like the Mets.

Currently, 22 teams in Major League Baseball can be viewed without a cable package. Manfred reported, “We are having conversations with other people” about expanding this availability further, indicating MLB’s commitment to modernizing access for fans.

Traditionally, fans who cut the cable cord have faced difficulties in watching their local teams, often having to subscribe to expensive bundles. SNY’s new service offers an appealing alternative, particularly for younger, tech-savvy fans who have opted for digital subscriptions but have been unable to access their local broadcasts.

As SNY rolls out its streaming platform, it intends to include features such as live statistics and highlights, enhancing the viewing experience for subscribers. The partnership with MLB will also provide fans with access to out-of-market games through MLB.tv alongside Mets games.

Steve Raab, president of SNY, stated: “We didn’t think it made a lot of sense to build the platform by ourselves. We thought about the opportunity to bundle with an existing provider who’s got an established platform.” This strategic decision reflects SNY’s desire to attract as many Mets fans as possible while maintaining their relationship with traditional cable providers.

Despite the rise in streaming, Raab acknowledged the ongoing challenges of balancing relationships with cable partners while appealing to new customers. He said, “It’s taken a few years to get to a point with our existing cable and satellite and telco partners to figure out an equation that allows those partnerships to still be what they should be.”

With subscribers increasingly leaving traditional cable, regional sports networks are under pressure to adapt. SNY hopes to attract a significant number of subscribers within its first year, aiming for mid-five figures in total subscriptions. Raab’s team is optimistic about reaching financial milestones, with projections indicating substantial revenue from the service.

Even as the landscape shifts towards streaming, Raab emphasized that it’s not a replacement for traditional cable subscriptions. He stated, “What you’d like to see is that it’s a healthy complement.” This sentiment underscores the hybrid model that many RSNs are now adopting in light of industry changes.

The looming question remains whether this service can fully satisfy the demand for in-market broadcasts, especially with the suspenseful issue of blackouts that has plagued fans in the past. For now, the introduction of this service provides hope for Mets fans looking for alternative viewing options.

Overall, the development signals a significant shift in how sports broadcasts will be delivered to fans, potentially setting the stage for a more seamless viewing experience moving into the future.