Ottawa’s local sports bars are struggling to remain profitable as the cost of streaming Ottawa Senators games has risen beyond what many can afford. The Ottawa Citizen reports that the team’s exclusive streaming rights have made it difficult for bars to offer the games, leading to a decline in customer turnout and revenue.
The Ottawa Senators, part of the National Hockey League, have partnered with a streaming service that limits access to their games, making it harder for local venues to attract patrons. This has resulted in fewer people gathering in bars to watch games, which are traditionally a major source of income for these establishments. Some bar owners say they can no longer afford to pay for the streaming rights, forcing them to cut back on other expenses or close down entirely.
This issue has been ongoing for several months, with bar owners and local business groups raising concerns about the impact on the community. The situation highlights the growing challenge of balancing sports entertainment with the financial realities of small businesses. As the cost of streaming continues to rise, the future of live sports viewing in Ottawa’s bars remains uncertain.
