Does YouTube TV Have Bally Sports Ohio?
No, YouTube TV does not currently offer Bally Sports Ohio. This unfortunate situation stems from a carriage dispute between YouTube TV and Diamond Sports Group, the owner of the Bally Sports regional sports networks (RSNs). This means fans hoping to catch their favorite Cleveland Guardians, Cincinnati Reds, or Columbus Blue Jackets games on YouTube TV are, at present, out of luck.
Why Can’t I Watch Bally Sports Ohio on YouTube TV?
The absence of Bally Sports Ohio (and other Bally Sports channels) on YouTube TV boils down to contract negotiations failing between Google (YouTube TV’s parent company) and Diamond Sports Group. These negotiations revolve around the fees YouTube TV is willing to pay to carry the channels. When an agreement isn’t reached, the provider, in this case, YouTube TV, is forced to drop the channel from its lineup. This type of impasse is surprisingly common in the television industry.
The Impact on Ohio Sports Fans
The removal of Bally Sports Ohio from YouTube TV significantly impacts Ohio sports fans. It means those subscribing to YouTube TV to watch local teams are forced to seek alternative streaming or cable providers that still carry the channel. This can be inconvenient, expensive, and frustrating, particularly for viewers who were drawn to YouTube TV’s overall package and user experience. This can be a major reason why people cancel their YouTube TV subscriptions.
Alternatives for Watching Bally Sports Ohio
While YouTube TV may not offer Bally Sports Ohio, several other options exist for Ohio sports enthusiasts. These include:
Direct TV Stream: One of the most popular streaming services that currently carries Bally Sports Ohio. Check the channel listings for your specific zip code to confirm availability.
Traditional Cable and Satellite Providers: Many traditional cable and satellite providers in Ohio still carry Bally Sports Ohio as part of their sports packages. Contact your local providers for details and pricing.
Bally Sports+ (Streaming Service): This is a direct-to-consumer streaming service from Diamond Sports Group. It allows viewers to stream Bally Sports channels without a cable or satellite subscription. However, availability depends on your location and the rights held by Diamond Sports. It is crucial to confirm that your desired teams and games are available on Bally Sports+ in your area.
Fubo TV: Fubo TV previously carried Bally Sports Ohio, but no longer offers the service.
A Word of Caution About Unofficial Streams
While the temptation to find unofficial streams online might be strong, it’s important to understand the risks involved. These streams are often of poor quality, unreliable, and may contain malware or expose you to legal issues. It’s always best to stick to legitimate viewing options.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Bally Sports Ohio and its availability on streaming services:
1. Will YouTube TV ever get Bally Sports Ohio back?
It’s impossible to say definitively. Negotiations between YouTube TV and Diamond Sports Group could resume at any time. The return of Bally Sports Ohio to YouTube TV depends on both companies reaching a mutually agreeable deal. Stay updated with news reports and announcements from both companies for the latest information.
2. What are the main reasons for these carriage disputes?
Money and programming rights are the primary drivers. Streaming services and cable providers want to pay as little as possible for channels, while channel owners want to maximize their revenue. Disagreements over these terms often lead to channel blackouts. The bankruptcy of Diamond Sports Group further complicates matters.
3. Is there anything I can do to influence the outcome of these negotiations?
While individual viewers have limited direct influence, you can contact both YouTube TV and Diamond Sports Group to voice your concerns. Express your desire for Bally Sports Ohio to be restored to YouTube TV’s lineup. Your feedback, along with that of other viewers, might contribute to the companies prioritizing a resolution.
4. Are all Bally Sports channels affected by this dispute?
Yes, the dispute between YouTube TV and Diamond Sports Group affects all Bally Sports regional sports networks, not just Bally Sports Ohio. This means fans of teams in other markets are also impacted.
5. How much does Bally Sports+ cost?
The pricing for Bally Sports+ varies depending on subscription type. The Bally Sports+ packages also vary based on location. It is critical to check the current pricing and available content for your specific area on the Bally Sports+ website.
6. Is Bally Sports+ available nationwide?
No, Bally Sports+ is not available nationwide. Its availability depends on your location and the streaming rights held by Diamond Sports Group. Be sure to check if it’s available in your specific region.
7. Can I record games on Bally Sports+?
This feature may vary. Check the Bally Sports+ subscription details and terms of service for the most up-to-date information on recording capabilities.
8. Are there any free trials available for services that carry Bally Sports Ohio?
Availability of free trials varies by service and promotion. Be sure to check the websites of DirecTV Stream and other providers to see if they are currently offering a free trial.
9. Will I be able to watch the Guardians/Reds/Blue Jackets in the playoffs if they are on Bally Sports Ohio?
If the playoff games are broadcast nationally on networks like ESPN, TBS, or Fox, you’ll be able to watch them through services that carry those channels, including YouTube TV. However, if playoff games remain exclusive to Bally Sports Ohio, you’ll still need a provider that carries the channel.
10. What other channels are missing from YouTube TV due to carriage disputes?
Carriage disputes are an ongoing issue in the television industry. Channels missing from YouTube TV can change over time. Be sure to check YouTube TV’s official website for an up-to-date list of available channels. RSNs are often the channels that are missing due to distribution agreement disagreements.
11. Does MLB.TV blackout local games in Ohio?
Yes, MLB.TV does blackout local games in Ohio. This is a standard practice for MLB.TV to protect the broadcast rights of regional sports networks like Bally Sports Ohio. You won’t be able to watch live Guardians or Reds games that are being broadcast on Bally Sports Ohio within Ohio. You can watch out-of-market games though.
12. Can I use a VPN to bypass MLB.TV blackouts?
Using a VPN to bypass MLB.TV blackouts violates MLB.TV’s terms of service and could result in the suspension or termination of your account. While VPNs can mask your location, it’s generally recommended to abide by the terms of service of the streaming platform you are using. Furthermore, the effectiveness of VPNs can be unpredictable as streaming services actively work to detect and block VPN usage.
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