Seahawks’ Lone Monday Night Football Appearance Paywalled as ESPN+ Exclusive

Source: Field Gulls

Exciting Matchup Ahead: Seahawks vs. Texans

The Seattle Seahawks will have just one chance this season to showcase their talent during Monday Night Football, facing off against the reigning AFC South champion Houston Texans on October 20. This highly anticipated game will be available exclusively on ESPN+, forcing fans to confront the rising costs of subscription-based streaming services.

Mookie Alexander, a contributor for Field Gulls, notes that such exclusive games have become increasingly common. This year’s Seahawks game against the Texans marks the third consecutive year ESPN+ has received a standalone Monday Night Football matchup, a trend that has many fans questioning whether they can afford to keep up with multiple streaming services.

Understanding the ESPN+ Paywall

The reality check comes as ESPN+ has been dubbed an “increasingly expensive subscription streaming service.” What does this mean for fans wanting to catch the game?

– **Cost of ESPN+**:
– ESPN+ is priced at $11.99/month or $119.99 annually.
– This fee is separate from ESPN’s new All-Access streaming service, which costs $29.99/month.

Should you not have an ESPN+ subscription, do not despair! For those residing in the Seattle or Houston areas, local affiliates will simulcast the game, allowing you to watch without an ESPN+ subscription.

Historical Context of Exclusivity in Football Broadcasts

ESPN+ began its journey with standalone Monday Night Football games starting in 2022 when the Denver Broncos faced off against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London. The trend continued with the Los Angeles Chargers and Arizona Cardinals in 2023, leading up to this year’s matchup of Seahawks vs. Texans.

This exclusive arrangement typically involves a back-end doubleheader, with the Seahawks game starting at 7 PM PT. Notably, this will be the latest kickoff in Seahawks history, setting the stage for an adrenaline-fueled night for fans eager to witness the action.

Conclusion on ESPN+ and Fan Reactions

With the game being locked behind a paywall on ESPN+, opinions are varied among fans. While some understand the shift toward streaming, others feel frustrated by the increasing costs associated with accessing their favorite sports content. It raises an important question: how many services are too many for the average sports fan to subscribe to?

As the Seattle Seahawks gear up for their Monday Night Football appearance, fans must weigh their options for viewing and brace for the consequences of a shifting landscape in sports broadcasting.

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