Access to Gotham-based sports applications can be geographically restricted. These restrictions prevent users outside a designated broadcast area from viewing live games or accessing certain content within the application. For instance, individuals residing outside the New York metropolitan area might encounter limitations when attempting to stream games featuring New York-based teams through these digital platforms.
These content distribution controls are implemented primarily to protect broadcasting rights agreements. Television networks and sports leagues negotiate exclusive contracts, granting specific channels the authority to air games within defined geographic regions. Allowing unrestricted access through digital applications would undermine the value of these contractual arrangements and potentially infringe upon established broadcasting territories. This practice has historical roots in the development of regional sports networks and the allocation of media rights.