Regional Sports Networks Score Big Affiliate Dollars

The YES Network is projected to once again lead all regional sports networks (RSNs) in ad revenue this year, but trail six others in affiliate fees. Ad dollars are forecast to come in at $73.2 million in 2012, a 9% bump over the year before. But the network’s estimated sub fee of $3.20 a month would fall below RSNs owned by Comcast in Washington, Philadelphia and the Bay Area; a Fox Sports outlet in Minnesota; a New England channel; and DirecTV property in Pittsburgh.

Comcast SportsNet Washington would lead 37 RSNs in sub fees at $4.33 a month, followed by Fox Sport North at $4.26. Cable, satellite and telco TV operators are increasingly complaining about the cost of carrying RSNs and 31 of them are projected to charge more than $2 a month in sub fees. DirecTV has been a leader in expressing its frustration. Its RSN based in Pittsburgh is projected to garner a sub fee of $3.51 – the fourth highest in the country.