SportsNet LA ditches satellite trucks for LiveU and mobile workflows

The transition from hardware-heavy satellite infrastructure to bonded IP and mobile contribution marks a critical operational pivot for the remaining major RSNs. By eliminating the high capital and logistical costs associated with traditional OB trucks, SportsNet LA is able to sustain high-volume, 24/7 team-specific programming even as regional media economics face historic volatility. This highlights the industry-wide move toward decentralizing production—where mobile devices serve as primary broadcast nodes—lowering the barrier for niche or off-season content. To gauge the long-term viability of this lean model, watch for the integration of these IP workflows into the newly launched $29.99 direct-to-consumer SNLA+ streaming platform.

The operational efficiencies highlighted by Stuart Mitchell come at a time of severe upheaval for the Regional Sports Network (RSN) sector. Per Sports Business Journal and Front Office Sports (January 2026), Main Street Sports Group, formerly known as Diamond Sports Group, has entered the final stages of liquidation after failed sale negotiations with DAZN. This collapse has forced approximately 29 teams in Major League Baseball, the NBA, and the NHL to scramble for new local broadcast homes, often turning toward league-managed streaming hubs or independent over-the-air models.

In contrast, Spectrum SportsNet LA remains a outlier in stability, supported by the Los Angeles Dodgers' massive market dominance. According to a Loyola Marymount survey (April 2026), nearly 43% of L.A. County residents identify the Dodgers as their favorite team, the largest gap over the Lakers (28%) recorded since the network’s launch in 2014. Despite this popularity, the network has modernized its distribution to combat cord-cutting. Per Charter Communications reports (February 2026), the network launched a direct-to-consumer app, SNLA+, priced at roughly $30 per month to reach fans without traditional cable bundles.

Technologically, the shift toward LiveU and IP-based contribution aligns with broader 2024-2025 broadcast trends. Per SVG Europe (January 2025), remote integration (REMI) and IP bonding have become standard for major international events, allowing broadcasters to reduce on-site staffing and travel costs by up to 70%. For Spectrum, maintaining this high-tech, low-overhead approach is essential for supporting a 24/7 content slate that now includes 13 games for the Dodgers’ Triple-A affiliate, the Oklahoma City Comets, as reported in early 2025.