The biggest problem I see with the live streaming is finding the link to the game. Much easier to tune to a channel you know to find the game.
That's my only complaint. I like the streaming and haven't experienced the problems some others have. Games are shorter thanks to fewer commercial breaks which is nice.
Is it the future? It appears to be as of now. ESPN has lost millions of subscribers in recent years. I have a few months left on my directv contract. When it is up I am cutting the cord and dropping directv. Gonna stream tv. Haven't decided what service(s) yet. Amazon, Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, lots of choices. I have two requirements. First I have to find a way to get some local channels. A big antenna is not on my wife's Christmas wish list. Second I gotta have some sports channels.