While I personally would prefer this option, mainly because I bought the HTC One a few months ago and am already in contract. I can't see Google selling the Nexus 5 for Sprint or say Verizon (even though it won't be on Verizon) because the CDMA Galaxy Nexus was only sold through the respective stores, not to mention Sprint doesn't like new phones to be activated without renewing the contract on eligible subscribers. Then again, since it is looking like there will be one model for all carriers it would allow Google to sell them. At this point I guess anything can happen.