Comment by barbazoo
3 months ago
> Instead, parents are forced to subscribe to these companies’ exclusive recording and streaming service, which can cost many times more than the streaming costs for professional sporting events. Meanwhile, the firms’ exclusive contracts have prohibited alternative video services from being made available.
> In some instances, parents have been threatened that if they choose to defy the rules and record the game, they may end up on a blacklist that punishes their kids’ teams. Those threats were even reportedly made to a sitting US senator.
> Black Bear’s streaming service costs between $25 and $50 a month, depending on the package and additional fees. In addition to its recording rules and associated costs, Black Bear is starting to add a $50 “registration and insurance” fee per player for some leagues. That’s on top of what players already spend on expensive equipment, team registration, and membership to USA Hockey, the sport’s national governing body.
Feeling bad for the folks having a hard time pulling the plug on scams like these and going back to a more sensible and sustainable way of life.
It really doesn't get more sensible and sustainable than kids playing team sports and parents witnessing this part of their lives. The blame here is squarely on PEs like black bear nickel and dimming parents. How do you pull the plug on that? It's so gross.
Sure you're right, if that's their thing, having their kids perform the sport and watching them doing it then this is a good solution. The streaming makes it so they can even stay in the car and watch from there.
Don't sign up for it next year? Boycott and maybe spin up your own league.
You can't, the PE companies buy the hockey rinks
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