Review Preview

And now, with caution, it’s time to look back at some of last year’s potential scenarios. But also adjusting for what to look out for this year.

The Kraken did indeed choose one of the two sports talk radio stations in town, KJR-AM, as its flagship. And they went with Root Sports Northwest as their television home. In doing so, Root strengthened its position in a difficult world for RSNs. Along with partnering with the Kraken, the network also teamed up with the Blazers, whose former home (NBC Sports NW) ultimately went dark with the loss of it’s primary programming. With new teams in tow, Root then picked up some streaming partners along the way, allowing cord cutters an option for finding the channel. For now AT&T remains the Root ownership double play partner with the Mariners. After AT&T splits off Warner Media to Discovery later this year, we may get a better idea whether that new entity wants to remains involved in RSNs. Or who they may spin them off to.

In local soccer, all was mostly quiet off the field. Getting through the season seemed to be the priority for the Sounders versus focusing energy on the training facility decision. Speculation still swirls that the organization is close to announcing…something. And the Reign also need a training facility. Their surprise announcement in December that Lumen Field will now be their home might indicate further collaboration with the Sounders. Perhaps in the form of a training facility?

And speaking of training facilities, the Storm will have their new practice home in Interbay after the ownership group purchased property in the neighborhood and got rezone approval for their plans. Could that facility work as a temporary practice gym for an NBA team?

Movement towards NBA expansion slowed after the first quarter of the year. But most signs still indicate a team could be here sooner than later. We’ll hear more about this as the year progresses.

What else to watch for this year? We’ll find out if Seattle is chosen as a host city for the 2026 World Cup. This would be on the heels of the M’s announcing they’ll host the 2023 MLB All-Star Game. And their renovating of the former Pyramid Brewing block. Maybe SoDo is coming together. The sportsbooks are open at tribal casinos with sports betting a go. Look for further pushing to incorporate mobile betting, as that’s where states really bring in the revenue. That will also continue to find resistance amongst some factions. Major League Soccer will negotiate its new TV deal, which will begin with the 2023 season. That could have implications for the future of the Sounders local TV rights.

All right. That’s a start. And an end. Onward with 2022.