Sports fans in select markets now have an additional option to access their local broadcasts, as Peacock has launched an add-on subscription. This allows fans in areas served by NBC Sports regional networks to purchase access to their channels for an extra fee. The included networks are NBC Sports Bay Area (Golden State Warriors, San Francisco Giants), NBC Sports Boston (Boston Celtics, Connecticut Sun), NBC Sports California (The Athletics, San Jose Sharks, Sacramento Kings), and NBC Sports Philadelphia (Philadelphia 76ers, Philadelphia Flyers, Philadelphia Phillies).
Pricing for the add-on varies by market: NBC Sports Bay Area is $17.95 per month, Boston is $14.95, California and Philadelphia are $17.95 and $24.95, respectively. This new service was first reported by the Wall Street Journal in October, which indicated that Peacock might expand to include NBC Sports RSNs.
Despite retaining four regional sports networks, NBC has divested several others in recent years, shutting down NBC Sports Northwest in 2021, selling NBC Sports Washington to Ted Leonsis for Monumental Sports Network in 2022, and recently ceasing operations at NBC Sports Chicago. Moreover, Comcast-owned NBC is treating its regional sports networks the same as those from other owners, maintaining their placement in higher tiers in certain markets—a decision that has faced pushback from RSN executives nationwide.
Nevertheless, Peacock is uniquely positioned to benefit from the four markets where NBC Sports still operates. As the only major network with a significant streaming platform and ownership of regional sports networks, NBC offers a compelling option. While the pricing may deter some potential subscribers, including NBC Sports RSN within the Peacock platform is likely more appealing than relying on a standalone streaming app, which many teams and fans use. However, it’s important to note that this option requires a Peacock subscription, unlike standalone alternatives.
