The recent news about the DISH-Disney deal is a watershed moment for the entertainment industry. By gaining Internet streaming rights to ESPN, DISH is perfectly positioned to launch a consumer-friendly, IP-based entertainment network. As analysts have long reported, sports are the last holdout for pay-TV. For many consumers, it's the only reason they keep their expensive cable package subscription.

This is only the beginning. Other companies are now approaching Disney for Internet streaming rights, starting with DirecTV. And, more importantly, consumer viewing habits have shifted to mobile devices.

But the most exciting company I see today is Verizon. Here's why.

With their recent acquisition of Intel's OnCue TV system, Verizon has taken a significant step toward becoming the dominant TV distributor over the next decade. Some analysts point out that the technology package brings significant streaming and user engagement tools to their already prominent FIOS service. Verizon's ambitions to provide a true alternative to cable are no secret, and with their wireless subsidiary they are positioned to be able to distribute content exactly where audiences want it - on mobile devices.

The OnCue acquisition is a huge win for Verizon, which now holds all the pieces necessary to dominate the living room and mobile markets with a unified package designed for consumers. A deal with Disney, especially for ESPN rights, would position Verizon to be a critical player in the future of TV.

The buy-out of Vodaphone's stake in Verizon Wireless allows the telecom giant to explore bundling plans. The new "Double Up" promotion should help drive subscriptions as well.

With 110 million wireless subscribers already in the U.S, Verizon has a strong existing user base to leverage for an entertainment offering. Compare that with cable leader Comcast's 20 million subscribers, and you quickly see that Verizon already dwarfs cable in terms of market reach. Even a Comcast-TWC merger would result in 30 million video subscribers, less than one-third the market reach that Verizon already has in wireless.

Mobile is already here.

Industry experts have been declaring for years that the mobile revolution has already arrived. As far back as 2010 people were buzzing about mobile at MIPCOM. Since then, news sources have been reporting mobile viewership growing from 100% to 300% year-over-year.

With mobile's exponential growth, it's clear to see that we are rapidly moving into a world of mobile video. Some experts already predict that mobile will entirely disrupt the living room ecosystem.

Other telecoms with big wireless operations, such as AT&T, also have a strong head start. The U-verse product, which bundles high-speed internet with a "TV Everywhere" entertainment package, has been growing 28% year-over-year. And they're seeing strong wireless streaming numbers that indicate mobile viewing. With their mobile backend and expanding fiber network, AT&T is also well-positioned to be a key player in the new mobile TV world.

Still, when I add up all the pieces that are required for a next-generation entertainment company, I'm betting on Verizon.