Local network stations carry NBA and NFL games. Multi million dollar player contracts, new stadiums, and the like are not going to pay for themselves. Fewer and fewer people are willing to pony up a premium for sports programming so the leagues have struck deals with providers that exact monthly fees from subscribers- even those who limit themselves to the most limited, basic packages because previously free local network stations carry professional sports.
As far as I know the only way to avoid helping fund the sports bubble is to cut the cord entirely.
