from John Ourand of Sports Business Journal,

Sinclair will soft launch its local sports streaming service in five markets on June 23, with a full launch still scheduled for the fall.

This marks the first time that Sinclair has set a specific date on the rollout of the much anticipated service that will start streaming local MLB games in Detroit, Kansas City, Miami, Milwaukee and Tampa.

The launch of Sinclair’s direct-to-consumer service, which it’s calling Bally Sports+, has a huge amount of importance in the sports business given the declining subscriber numbers among regional sports networks.

As media companies, leagues and teams try to figure out how to preserve the value of local sports rights, they are testing out streaming services as a way to maintain revenue sources.

Earlier this month, NESN launched a streaming service in the Boston area for Red Sox and Bruins games. NESN is selling NESN 360 for $30 per month or $330 per year.

By comparison, Sinclair will sell Bally Sports+ for $20 per month or $190 per year.

continued, (normally a paid sub. but at this point it is not)