The Varsity An Ex Cable Cowboy on the Future of Sports
Mar 11, 2026
David Levy, former Turner executive and now head of Horizon Sports and Experiences, walks through streaming’s impact on sports rights and why appointment viewing keeps fans glued. He breaks down the Paramount–WBD ripple effects, the case for a CBS–Turner alignment, and why women’s sports and volleyball are poised for big growth.
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Why Sports Stops Streamer Churn
- Streamers grew fast without sports but face high churn that sports can reduce.
- David Levy: sports subscriptions (e.g., NBA packages) provide consistent, multi-month engagement vs. binge-and-cancel scripted hits.
Leagues Balance Broadcast Reach With Streamer Tests
- Leagues want both reach and new-platform growth so they balance broadcast reach with streamer experimentation.
- The NFL keeps Fox/CBS/NBC while testing Amazon, Netflix, YouTube to build younger-fan reach and new revenue streams.
Why Long Deals Matter For NFL Production
- Long-term deals matter to build NFL production and talent; one-year packages deter network investment.
- Levy offered a seven-year Thursday Night Football deal but owners preferred shorter commitments, blocking Turner's return.