Part 5/8:
As traditional media continues to adapt, the failure of theaters to embrace streaming and the recent retreat of major properties will have far-reaching consequences for all cable networks. The competitive landscape is shifting, with streaming platforms possibly leading the way in sports broadcasting, while legacy networks may watch audience engagement wane over the coming years.
Warner's situation raises questions about the future of sports rights management. The fight for viewership leads to aggressive acquisitions, but the metrics of success are changing. Nationwide ratings for the NBA are sliding, which can often be traced back to market dynamics, including star players, game schedules, and how easy or difficult it is to access games.