It was required for setup, and the latest update shoves ads at you.

This is the way. I have an LG and bought one for my parents. Do the initial sign up/registration, then turn off Internet access. I actually thought mine was broken when I got it, but it was just my pihole blocking it. Temporary whitelist for setup, smooth sailing since.

This is the way

The champagne pages have a section for streaming sports. Obviously use an ad blocker.