Analysis - Verizon offer tests sport networks' hold on TV bundle

(Reuters) - An escalating dispute between Verizon Communications Inc and media companies over Verizon's allowing customers to pick and choose bundles of TV networks underscores the importance of live sports programming to the pay TV business.

The dispute is about channels delivered in a traditional subscription. But its effect also will be felt in the burgeoning world of streaming video and revives a long battle over whether customers should be able to build their own channel lineup.