Soaring TV costs leave Pittsburgh Penguins fans struggling to follow their team

As the Pittsburgh Penguins gear up for the 2024-25 season, fans are excited to watch Sidney Crosby lead the team.

However, the increasing costs associated with accessing these games are becoming a concern. With 17 nationally broadcasted games and 69 others available through SportsNet Pittsburgh, fans are finding that following the Penguins throughout the season could be a pricier endeavor than ever before.

While traditional cable packages may include channels like ESPN, ABC, and TNT, those relying on streaming options are seeing rising subscription fees. For instance, a direct subscription to SNP 360, required for fans without cable access, comes with an introductory rate of $17.99 per month. This fee, while providing access to all Penguins games, adds up over the course of the season, potentially stretching the budget of dedicated followers.

Moreover, as more games are broadcasted on national networks, the reliance on multiple subscriptions to various services becomes a necessity. Fans who want to catch every game may need to maintain subscriptions to not just SNP 360 but also to platforms offering ESPN+ and other national networks, further driving up the cost of staying connected with the team.

This growing financial burden highlights a broader trend in sports media, where the fragmentation of broadcast rights across multiple platforms is leading to higher costs for consumers.

October 9: vs. New York Rangers, 7:30 PM, TNT
October 23: vs. Dallas Stars, 8:00 PM, TNT
November 14: vs. Florida Panthers, 7:00 PM, ESPN
November 21: at Colorado Avalanche, 10:00 PM, TNT
December 5: vs. Tampa Bay Lightning, 7:00 PM, ESPN
December 19: at New Jersey Devils, 7:30 PM, ESPN
January 9: vs. Washington Capitals, 8:00 PM, ABC
January 16: at New York Rangers, 1:00 PM, ABC
January 30: vs. Carolina Hurricanes, 8:00 PM, TNT
February 10: at Vegas Golden Knights, 3:00 PM, ABC
March 6: vs. Philadelphia Flyers, 7:00 PM, TNT
March 13: at Boston Bruins, 8:00 PM, TNT
March 23: at Toronto Maple Leafs, 7:00 PM, ABC
March 27: vs. New York Islanders, 7:00 PM, TNT
April 3: at St. Louis Blues, 8:00 PM, TNT
April 10: vs. Florida Panthers, 7:00 PM, TNT
April 17: at Washington Capitals, 7:00 PM, TNT

For Penguins fans, the joy of watching their team might now come with a significant hit to their wallets. As the season approaches, many are weighing the options, looking for the most cost-effective ways to stay engaged without breaking the bank.