MLB, ESPN Forge New Digital Rights Deal for Out-of-Market Games
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New York, NY – Major League Baseball and ESPN are poised to reshape the landscape of out-of-market game access, announcing a preliminary agreement that grants ESPN exclusive digital rights to broadcast regular-season games. The deal, reported by The Athletic, centers on streaming options and impacts how fans consume baseball content nationwide [3].
Key Terms of the Agreement
The agreement focuses on providing ESPN with the exclusive rights to sell all out-of-market regular-season games digitally. In addition, ESPN will have in-market rights for games featuring five specific clubs: the Cleveland Guardians, San Diego Padres, Minnesota Twins, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Colorado Rockies. While the deal isn’t yet finalized, it represents a notable step in redefining MLB’s broadcast strategy.
This partnership will allow ESPN to integrate MLB.TV into its direct-to-consumer (DTC) platform, currently priced at $29.99 per month.This service offers a cable-free viewing experience, appealing to a growing segment of sports fans.[3]
the implications for existing MLB.TV subscribers remain unclear. It is currently uncertain weather fans who access out-of-market games through cable packages or other linear subscriptions will maintain thier current access.
Did You Know?… MLB’s previous deal with Apple TV+ in 2022 introduced exclusive streaming options, marking an initial foray into direct-to-consumer broadcasting [2].
Shifting Broadcast Landscape
Despite this new digital focus, ESPN is still anticipated to broadcast approximately 30 regular-season games. Though, high-profile events like the Home Run Derby and “Sunday Night Baseball” are potentially up for grabs, with networks like Netflix and NBC emerging as frontrunners.Netflix is considered the “heavy favorite” to secure the rights to the Home Run Derby, while NBC and Apple are vying for “Sunday Night Baseball” and early postseason coverage [3].
Deal Timeline and Duration
The proposed agreement is slated for a three-year term, expiring in 2029. This timeline follows ESPN’s decision to opt out of its previous broadcast contract with MLB following the 2025 season [1]. The move comes after a period of tension between MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred and ESPN following the opt-out decision.
| Event | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| ESPN & MLB Opt-Out | February 20, 2025 | Both parties mutually agreed to end their broadcast contract after the 2025 season [1]. |
| New Digital Rights Agreement (Preliminary) | August 21, 2025 | ESPN gains exclusive digital rights to out-of-market games and in-market rights for five teams. |
| Proposed Deal Duration | 2026-2029 | The agreement, if finalized, will span three years. |
Pro Tip:… Keep an eye on announcements from MLB and ESPN regarding pricing and access details for MLB.TV as the deal finalizes.
Will this new arrangement increase accessibility to MLB games for fans, or will it create further fragmentation in the viewing experience? How will the pricing structure impact viewership numbers?
The trend towards streaming and direct-to-consumer models in sports broadcasting is accelerating. This shift is driven by changing consumer habits and the desire for greater control over viewing options. MLB’s strategy reflects a broader industry move to diversify revenue streams and reach new audiences.The success of this model will likely influence future negotiations with other leagues and networks.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does this deal mean for MLB.TV subscribers? This agreement could mean MLB.TV will be bundled with or accessible through an ESPN+ subscription.
- Which teams are included in the in-market rights deal with ESPN? The Cleveland Guardians, San Diego Padres, Minnesota Twins, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Colorado Rockies.
- Will ESPN still broadcast regular-season MLB games on traditional TV? Yes, ESPN is expected to continue broadcasting around 30 regular-season games.
- Who is competing for the rights to “Sunday Night Baseball”? NBC and Apple are currently the top contenders.
- What is the duration of the proposed agreement? The deal is proposed for three years, expiring in 2029.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
