Negotiations between Apple and broadcasters have stalled.

According to Re/code, Apple won’t debut its much-anticipated subscription television service next week at their Worldwide Developer Conference. The launch of a “skinny bundle” of channels for roughly $30 on Apple’s digital media set-top box, similar to Sling TV’s over-the-top internet offering, has been delayed until later this year or possibly early 2016.

It’s no secret Apple has been working on a revamped Apple TV, with speculation suggesting a new user interface, remote, Siri integration and an app store. Considering the Apple TV hasn’t seen a serious upgrade since 2012, the company will at least bring their streaming hub up to speed with its competitors. However, Apple’s subscription television service was thought to be the game-changer.

Apple may very well get their way in the end, but this delay highlights the issues preventing an idealistic cord-cutting nirvana. According to Re/code, financial terms and live local programming are the sticking points between Apple and broadcasters.

CBS has experienced similar issues with live programming on their All Access streaming service, which is similar to other on-demand options such as Hulu and Netflix. Initially, CBS could only show live broadcasts from their owned-and-operated affiliates. Folks in the Raleigh-Durham market who wanted to watch Big Bang Theory live on All Access were out of luck, since WRAL-TV is locally owned by the parent company of WRALSportsFan and 99.9FM The Fan (hello, Capitol Broadcasting Company). In May, WRAL officially became part of All Access once everyone figured out how the commercials would be run.

“This simulcast of all programs and commercials on WRAL allows more access for our viewers to watch all we have to offer,” WRAL-TV General Manager Steve Hammel said. “We are currently working out the details with CBS as to the precise date this service will begin.”

Sports without cable an incomplete experience

As I explained in “A Beginner’s Guide To Sports Without Cable,” the combination of an over-the-air HD antenna and Sling TV is the only ethically correct way to maximize your sports viewing. It’s worked great for watching the NBA Playoffs, not so great for watching the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs or soccer. Through Sling’s access to WatchESPN, I was able to watch NC State’s collapse against TCU in the NCAA Tournament regionals on ESPN3. My basic setup should be enough to handle the upcoming college football and NFL seasons.

If you’re still on the fence, USA Today has a handy flowchart to make your decision even easier.

Consumer experiences will always be different and there will be conveniences only cable and satellite can provide. However, any of the extra steps I’ve taken to watch sporting events through an HD antenna or streaming service are worth it when my total bill is under $100.