NHL/NBA Playoff Games not on ABC

Since we can't watch the NHL or NBA playoff games on ABC in Maryland because of the Scripps/Xfinity contract dispute why can't they show the games on another channel? Say ESPN, TNT, TBS, or NHL network or NBA network, or on one of the 4K channels? The 4K channels are always empty of programming so there is plenty of room for them if they don't want to pre-empt other shows on other channels.  I know we can go on a streaming channel, but I don't want to subscribe just to see a handful of games. Thank you for your attention to this issue.