NEW YORK—DAZN, one of the world’s leading sports streaming services, announced today that it will be the exclusive direct-to-consumer streaming home of MSG Networks and YES Network during the 2026-2027 NBA and NHL seasons.

This now gives DAZN subscribers in the New York City region access to live Yankees, Knicks, Nets, Rangers, Devils, Islanders and Sabres games, as well as 24/7 feeds of the MSG, MSG Sportsnet, and YES Network, and on-demand content including highlights, behind-the-scenes programming and Emmy Award-winning original series.

Subscribers who receive MSG Networks or the YES Network as part of their pay TV subscription will continue to receive MSG and YES content, as applicable, via the DAZN platform at no additional cost, the company said.

Subscribers to The Gotham Sports App—the previous home to MSG Network and Yes Network streaming—will continue to receive uninterrupted access as YES and MSG prepare to migrate users to DAZN during the 2026-2027 NBA and NHL seasons. Exact timing and other details of the migration will be announced in the coming months, according to DAZN.

Although it's the largest digital sports streaming service in the world, covering about 200 countries, the partnership is DAZN's biggest move yet to gain a larger foothold in the world's most lucrative sports market, allowing it to stream several marquee U.S. sports leagues to American subscribers for the first time.

Up until now, DAZN’s presence in the U.S. market has focused on combat sports, airing 185+ fight nights a year as well as soccer leagues and competitions, such as the UEFA Champions League and FIFA+. Outside the U.S., DAZN streams NFL Game Pass, NHL.TV, the NBA and NCAA college football and basketball to international subscribers.

In May, the company said it was specifically targeting certain NBA franchises, telling Awful Announcing, "let’s be clear, we want to be in that space."

Shay Segev, CEO, DAZN Group said the deal was a "defining moment for us and underscores our commitment to expanding our footprint in the United States.”

“The New York sports landscape has a rich heritage of teams and DAZN is honored to partner with both the YES Network and MSG Networks to become their exclusive direct-to-consumer streaming home, bringing the Yankees, Knicks, Rangers, Nets, Devils, Islanders, and Sabres to more fans than ever before," he said. "This is what DAZN does best—connecting fans to the sport they love and creating immersive digital experiences that go far beyond the game."

It only makes sense that it took an out-of-this-world effort to produce the 2026 World Baseball Classic, given that the event was broadcast in 172 countries and territories.

That access and the increasing popularity of the event led to record numbers of viewers for the tournament, which was played in Miami, Houston, San Juan, Puerto Rico and Tokyo from March 5-17.

For instance, the championship game, a 3-2 win by Venezuela over the United States, was seen by 10.8 million viewers on Fox and Fox Deportes. That number is nearly double the 4.9 million who watched Japan defeat the U.S. in the 2023 final.

All told, the 2026 WBC averaged almost 1.3 million viewers for its games on Fox, FS1 and FS2, which was more than double the 506,000 for the 2023 tournament.

With viewership and production expectations so high, Fox was well prepared in the camera department, lensing the action from the usual positions and many more: The mostly-Sony package included high home, high first, high third, low first and low third; plus center and tight center; mid-home robotic and dugout robotic, with two bullpen POVs and a booth handheld.

But that still wasn’t all, since the impact of the games―and the production―had much to do with MLB Network’s approach to present the international spectacle through its world feed.

“We employed two shallow depth of field rightfield cameras, also known as ‘The Megalodon’ (the Mirrorless Gyro-stabilized Lightweight DSLR Nano-rig),” said MLB Network Director of Remote Technical Operations Steve Dolce. Those cameras were supplied by St. Petersburg, Fla.-based Faction Media and were paired with wireless RX/TX equipment from CP Communications, also of St. Petersburg.

Other key equipment was provided by L.A.-based Beverly Hills Aerials, for the in-game drone; an RF Wireless for UmpVu, which is an umpire mask with a built-in camera for the behind-the-plate perspective, for all of the USA games; and from Tempe, Ariz.-based Defy Products, the Wirecam and its new Dirt Cam system, which debuted during the WBC.

Indeed, the WBC proved to be the forum to place cameras virtually anywhere possible. “We placed four in-ground cameras to give us a ‘worm’s eye view’ of [the] three bases and home plate,” said Dolce, which gave the broadcast some incredibly unique views.”

As for the most memorable aspect of the expansive broadcast, Dolce said it was simply capturing the excitement of the tournament.

“Across the board, we really wanted to capture the noise and excitement from the crowds. We added a few extra natural sound mics,” said Dolce, to pick up the sounds of the crowd. “You could really feel that passion in the broadcast, which was incredibly cool.”

Secondly, he said, “When you think about the phrase ‘world feed,’ you need to remember it’s your truck and crew providing game coverage to every fan watching. Rights holders could augment the coverage, but it’s your game feed at the heart of it.

And being in that position, Dolce said, “is a daunting, but amazing, feeling.”

Broadcasting the WBC was different from MLB Network’s usual transmissions, because it used NEP Connect as its international distribution hub. “That ensured strong 24/7 performance from the WBC Network Operations Center, while keeping MLB’s typical distributions focused on spring training,” said MLB Vice President of Broadcast Products and Services Jason Hedgcock.

Any format conversation or standard changes that were needed to connect with the international transmission were handled at distribution by NEP.

As for the biggest challenge, Dolce said that it was the need to constantly plan ahead. “Every round brought additional rights holders and equipment,” he said. “We had to be strategic on things like power and the space needed for drones, launch points and RF gear. The fiber team and I managed fiber drops around the ballpark for all the rights holders.

“We had to be diligent,” said Dolce, “in making sure the proper resources were allocated and tested before anyone plugged in.”

Given the enormity of the undertaking and its global reach, the crew at MLB Network is already thinking about how to heighten the approach for the next tournament.

“There’s something incredibly special about the World Baseball Classic. Each time, it gets bigger and bigger, with more people contributing all over the world,” said MLB Network Senior Vice President of Remote Events Tommy Guidice. “We’re proud of the content we were able to produce.”

ATLANTA—After a busy week of adding regional sports networks covering Major League Baseball, Fubo TV and The Atlanta Braves announced a multiyear distribution agreement to provide BravesVision to its customers. BravesVision will be available on Fubo’s sports-first live TV streaming platform starting on the Braves’ Opening Day, Friday, March 27.

The deal follows a number of recent deals to expand its lineup of regional sports networks covering Major League Baseball. In addition to the Braves’ agreement, Fubo has added Spectrum SportsNet LA (LA Dodgers), 14 MLB-operated team channels, BravesVision and SNY (NY Mets) RSNs to its lineup.

Braves games will be available to subscribers of the FuboTV base plan throughout the six-state Braves Country territory, which is inclusive of Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, and western North Carolina.

Announced last month, BravesVision will produce more than 140 games, as well as extensive pre-game and post-game programming, throughout the 2026 regular season. The new BravesVision pre-game show, “Braves On Deck,” and post-game show, “Braves Postgame,” will offer news, analysis, and a look at the unparalleled gameday experience at Truist Park and The Battery Atlanta. To celebrate Opening Day, “Braves On Deck” will begin at 6 p.m. ET ahead of Friday’s opener against the Kansas City Royals.

Yesterday on March 26, Fubo announced that Fubo will stream SportsNet LA’s coverage of every available Los Angeles Dodgers game, including pre- and postgame shows and exclusive content, a first for the vMVPD.

At launch, SportsNet LA will be available to subscribers of the FuboTV base plan in the SportsNet LA footprint.

NAB criticized Netflix’s exclusive coverage of the marquee game of Major League Baseball’s Opening Day, and used the criticism to continue its campaign against the fragmentation of sports TV.

In a blog on nab.org, the association said that instituting a paywall to watch the New York Yankees take on the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park on March 25 contradicted the idea that viewers should be able to view “American’s pastime” for free.

“On Opening Day, baseball should feel like a national holiday. Friends and families gather around TVs and radios in living rooms, bars and break rooms across America,” the NAB wrote. “But this year, many fans were met with something else: a paywall. Major League Baseball’s high-profile streaming debut on Netflix sparked confusion, frustration and backlash from fans who simply wanted to watch their teams play.”

NAB’s comments are part of the association’s “Keep the Game On” campaign launched in late 2025 to promote the concept that live sports should remain free on broadcast TV. The association has also tied the idea to its continued push for relaxing ownership rules that would allow broadcasters to better compete with the likes of Amazon, Apple TV—and yes, Netflix—which are increasingly outbidding broadcasters for sports rights.

It also comes as Netflix announced another price hike this week. The company’s ad-supported plan has gone from $7.99 to $8.99 a month; the standard plan is now $19.99 a month, up from $17.99; and its premium plan has increased from $24.99 to $26.99

Pricing for extra members also went up, with ad-supported plans now costing $6.99 per additional non-household user, up from $5.99, and ad-free add-ons now costing $9.99, up from $8.99 each.

“We're updating our prices to keep improving what you already love. Expect fresh, can’t-miss shows and movies every week (including 100 new releases next month),” the streaming service said in its note to subscribers.

If there's one thing baseball fans treasure, it's tradition. And NAB thinks that Netflix’s coverage was frivolous and distracting.

“USA Today noted the uneven viewing experience and questioned whether the streaming-first approach delivered for fans,” NAB wrote. “Awful Announcing criticized the broadcast itself as feeling more like marketing than meaningful coverage.”

Besides the mediocre coverage, the association said the trend of more sports moving behind paywalls will be a loss for American sports fans.

“This moment is part of a trend making it harder and more expensive for Americans to follow the teams they love,” the NAB wrote. “A recent breakdown shows just how fragmented and costly sports access has become, with fans juggling multiple subscriptions just to keep up across leagues and platforms. What used to be available in one place, often for free over the air, is now scattered across apps, exclusive deals and premium tiers.

“Live sports are one of the last truly shared cultural experiences in America, bringing communities together regardless of background or belief,” NAB added. “Local television and radio stations are at the center of that connection, delivering games freely to millions. As more games move behind paywalls controlled by global streaming platforms, that shared experience begins to erode. We risk turning a unifying national pastime into a fragmented, premium product available only to those who can afford it.

The NAB pointed out that the FCC is currently seeking public notice on sports broadcasting. Deadline for first public comment period is today, March 27.

“Consumer outcry has not gone unnoticed. The Federal Communications Commission is currently asking for public comment on how the shift from sports on broadcasting to behind streaming paywalls is impacting consumers. You can make your voice heard here. Tell Washington: Keep sports on local TV.”

ATLANTA—The Cincinnati Reds have announced a deal with Gray Media that will see WXIX FOX19 to simulcast a select number of regular-season Reds games on free, over-the-air (OTA) television.

Under the two-year agreement, Gray Media will simulcast 10 regular-season games per season, including Reds Opening Day on March 26, making the broadcasts available to fans on Gray-owned television stations in Cincinnati, Rock Entertainment Sports Network, and throughout Reds Country in seven states.

“Making Reds baseball available through over-the-air television is a win for our fans,” said Doug Healy, Reds' COO and CFO. “Our partnership with Gray Media provides fans in 17 communities throughout Reds Country another opportunity to experience the excitement of Reds baseball.”

The first simulcast will air on Reds Opening Day, Thursday, March 26, followed by nine additional “Red Hot Mondays” games. All the following game times are EST:

• Thursday, March 26, Reds vs. Boston Red Sox, 4:10 p.m.
• Monday, April 20, Reds at Tampa Bay Rays, 6:40 p.m.
• Monday, May 4, Reds at Chicago Cubs, 7:40 p.m.
• Monday, May 18, Reds at Philadelphia Phillies, 6:40 p.m.
• Monday, June 1, Reds vs. Kansas City Royals, 7:10 p.m.
• Monday, June 8, Reds vs. San Diego Padres, 9:40 p.m.
• Monday, June 15, Reds vs. New York Mets, 7:10 p.m.
• Monday, July 20, Reds at Seattle Mariners, 9:40 p.m.
• Monday, August 31, Reds vs. San Diego Padres, 6:40 p.m.
• Monday, Sept. 14, Reds vs. L.A. Dodgers, 6:40 p.m.

The games can be seen on Gray Media stations in the following markets:

• Ohio: Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton, Toledo Kentucky:Bowling Green, Lexington, Louisville.
• Indiana: Evansville, Ft. Wayne, South Bend West Virginia:Charleston-Huntington.
• Tennessee: Chattanooga, Knoxville, Nashville, Memphis
• North Carolina: Charlotte.

"Gray's extensive television station footprint provides a great home for Reds baseball, free over-the-air," said Sandy Breland, executive vice president and COO of Gray Media. "We appreciate our relationship with the Reds, Major League Baseball, and most importantly, the fans."

ATLANTA—The Atlanta Braves and Gray Media have announced an expanded spring training broadcast offering that will bring 15 spring training games to Gray local television stations in 26 markets throughout the Southeast.

Fans will also get to relive the 2021 championship season with a new 10-episode series titled Celebrating '21, which will air before select spring training matchups. The series will feature commentary from former Braves manager Brian Snitker and will be narrated by Braves announcer Ben Ingram.

“We are committed to making Braves baseball accessible to fans across Braves Country,” said Derek Schiller, Atlanta Braves president & CEO. “We saw an amazing response to our partnership with Gray Media last year, and expanding their Spring Training coverage this season is one of the ways we plan to bring fans closer to the action than ever before. We’re excited to have these 15 Braves spring training games available for free throughout the Southeast and look forward to continuing our partnership with Gray this season.”

“Gray Media is proud to partner with the Atlanta Braves to bring quality baseball programming to our viewers across Braves Country, free over-the-air across our portfolio of leading Southeastern television stations,” said Hilton H. Howell, Jr., chairman and co-CEO of Gray Media. “This partnership allows us to deliver engaging sports content that resonates with our local communities.”

2026 Spring Training Broadcast Schedule:

• Sunday, Feb. 22, Braves vs. Minnesota at 1:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, Feb. 24, Braves vs. Detroit at 1:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, Feb. 25, Braves vs. Pittsburgh at 1:00 p.m.
• Thursday, Feb. 26, Braves at New York Yankees at 1:00 p.m.
• Friday, Feb. 27, Braves vs. Boston at 1:00 p.m.
• Sunday, March 1, Braves vs. Tampa Bay at 1:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, March 4, Braves vs. Colombia at 1:00 p.m.
• Thursday, March 5, Braves vs. Toronto at 1:00 p.m.
• Saturday, March 7, Braves vs. Baltimore at 1:00 p.m.
• Thursday, March 12, Braves at Pittsburgh at 6:00 p.m.
• Friday, March 13, Braves vs. New York Yankees at 1:00 p.m.
• Saturday, March 14, Braves vs. Boston at 6:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, March 17, Braves at Boston at 1:00 p.m.
• Saturday, March 21, Braves at Boston at 1:00 p.m.
• Saturday, March 21, Braves at New York Yankees (Spring Breakout Game vs. Braves Prospects) at 6:30 p.m.

ESPN has taken over the distribution of MLB.TV in a deal that will allow fans to buy MLB.TV on ESPN and strengthen ESPN’s streaming presence.

As the new streaming home of MLB.TV, subscribers to MLB.TV will be able to watch thousands of out-of-market live games each season on the ESPN App and ESPN.com.

“ESPN and MLB have a partnership rooted in decades of delivering marquee baseball moments to fans,” said Rosalyn Durant, executive vice president, ESPN Programming & Acquisitions. “With MLB.TV now available through ESPN, we’re taking a significant step forward in reinforcing ESPN as the home of the MLB regular season while deepening the value proposition of the ESPN Unlimited plan – giving fans even more flexibility in how and where they watch all season long.”

Starting Feb. 10, fans can purchase MLB.TV through ESPN platforms in a variety of packages, including:

• Current ESPN Unlimited plan subscribers can purchase MLB.TV for $134.99 for the 2026 season, renewing seasonally at the then-current price.
• Fans without an ESPN Unlimited plan can purchase MLB.TV for $149.99 seasonally, with a free month of ESPN Unlimited included.*
• Monthly subscription options are also available for $29.99, with new subscribers eligible for a free month of ESPN Unlimited.*
• Existing MLB.TV subscribers who auto-renew their subscription through MLB platforms – and are not currently subscribed to ESPN Unlimited – will receive a one-month free trial offer for ESPN Unlimited.*
• At the start of the season, fans subscribed to MLB.TV in the U.S. – whether purchased through ESPN or previously through MLB – will be able to watch the MLB.TV out-of-market games, MLB Big Inning, and MLB Network on both ESPN and MLB digital platforms, ensuring fans have choice and flexibility throughout the season.

At the start of the season, MLB.TV games will be discoverable across most ESPN connected TV and mobile experiences, with fans also able to take advantage of ESPN App features including multiview, integrated stats, key plays and catch up to live, fantasy and betting information, and home/away feed selection.

All of ESPN. All in One Place.

ESPN offers its full suite of networks and services directly to fans on the ESPN App, providing more choice, flexibility and access to all of ESPN, including more than 47,000 live events per year, on-demand replays, industry-leading studio shows and original programming, and more.

The ESPN App gives fans a unique viewing experience that includes multiview and synchronized two-screen viewing options, swipe-able shortform vertical video and a personalized SportsCenter For You, as well as integrated game stats, ESPN Fantasy sports, betting odds and information from DraftKings, sports merchandise, and more.

These features are available to all fans who watch on the ESPN App on mobile and connected TV devices, whether they subscribe directly or through a pay TV package. Bundling options available for fans include a limited time offer for the ESPN DTC Unlimited plan with Disney+ and Hulu for $29.99/month for the first 12 months.

For more visit stream.espn.com.

PHOENIX—The Arizona Diamondbacks and 12 News KPNX, Tegna’s NBC affiliate in Phoenix, have renewed a local broadcast distribution agreement that will bring 10 Diamondbacks games over-the-air to fans during the 2026 season. In addition, 12 News will air the season opener as part of the Major League Baseball on NBC national broadcast agreement, bringing the total number of over-the-air games on 12 News to 11 this season.

The deal continues what the club and Tegna called a highly successful deal for games last year that delivered strong viewership and overwhelmingly positive fan feedback requesting more Diamondbacks baseball.

“Our first year partnering with 12 News exceeded every expectation, not only in viewership, but in how deeply it allowed us to connect with fans,” said Derrick Hall, D-backs president, CEO and general partner. “Together, we brought D-backs baseball to more households while also taking fans inside our organization like never before, introducing them to our players and people, showcasing our connection to the community and highlighting the many fan experiences that make Chase Field and D-backs baseball so special. We are excited to build on that success and continue expanding access to the game we love.”

12 News reaches approximately 1.59 million television households across the market, ensuring broad exposure to games and expanding access for fans. In addition to Phoenix, over-the-air broadcasts extend to surrounding regions including Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and parts of Nevada. Combined market reach totals 3,778,503 TV households per comScore (Phoenix, Tucson, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Albuquerque-Santa Fe, Yuma-El Centro).

“We are thrilled to renew our partnership with the Arizona Diamondbacks after such a successful first season together,” said Kate Morris, president and general manager of 12 News. “The fan response made it clear that viewers want more over-the-air baseball. Bringing 11 games to audiences this season, including the national season opener, allows us to expand access while continuing to showcase the team’s deep connection to our community. This partnership is about more than games, it’s about hometown pride, shared storytelling, and serving fans across Arizona.”

The full lineup of over-the-air games includes March 26 vs. Dodgers (Season Opener - MLB on NBC), March 30 vs. Tigers (Home Opener), April 17 vs. Blue Jays, May 22 vs. Rockies, June 5 vs. Nationals, July 4 vs. Brewers, July 17 vs. Cardinals, August 7 vs. Dodgers, August 21 vs. Reds, September 11 vs. Rangers and September 18 vs. Yankees. Dates and matchups are subject to change.

In addition to live game broadcasts, 12 News will again produce “D-backs on Deck,” a one-hour gameday show airing prior to each broadcast. Hosted by sports anchors and reporters Cameron Cox, Lina Washington, and Jake Garcia, the program delivers analysis, behind-the-scenes access, and interviews with players and team personnel.

Season coverage begins with special Opening Day programming on March 26.

Major League Baseball has announced deals with ESPN, NBCUniversal and Netflix covering 2026-2028 that make ESPN the exclusive distributor for MLB.TV, put regularly aired games on NBC for the first time in 26 years and expand Netflix’s role from presenting documentaries to live baseball coverage for the first time.

ESPN
MLB awarded ESPN the right to distribute MLB.TV, its subscription package of thousands of live and on-demand out-of-market games, on the ESPN App and on MLB platforms. Its agreement with the sports network also includes a broad range of national and in-market rights.

New MLB.TV subscribers will be able to purchase and stream the service through the enhanced ESPN App. New and existing MLB.TV subscribers will be able to access the service on the ESPN App and through MLB platforms.

ESPN has also secured exclusive local in-market streaming rights for the San Diego Padres, Cleveland Guardians, Seattle Mariners, Minnesota Twins, Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies. Next year, their in-market games will be available to purchase and stream on MLB platforms.

The sports broadcaster will also deliver more than 150 out-of-market regular season games per season across a special game-of-the-day offering for subscribers to ESPN Unlimited.

ESPN also gets a 30-game package of exclusive national games for its linear network and ESPN Unlimited, consisting mainly of weeknight games during the core summer months. It will also retain rights to the MLB Little League Classic as part of its coverage of the Little League World Series, and will air games on Memorial Day and on the first day of the season’s second half.

NBCUniversal
Baseball’s rights deal with NBCUniversal sees the return of baseball to NBC and Peacock beginning with primetime coverage of the Los Angeles Dodgers vs. the Arizona Diamondbacks on March 26, 2026—the only primetime MLB game on Opening Day.

NBC’s coverage consists of 25 primetime games each season; “MLB Sunday Leadoff,” which will return to Peacock and NBCSN from The Roku Channel with 18 late-morning start games; 17 Peacock/NBCSN exclusives; one Peacock-NBC simulcast over the 2026 season; a Sunday afternoon whip-around show looking at live action from across the league on Peacock; a Sunday, July 5, “Roadblock” featuring all 15 MLB games that day on Peacock-NBC; Peacock-exclusive regular season and postseason games on the NBCSN sports cable network; and Telemundo Deportes presentation of all NBCUniversal-produced MLB games in Spanish with Universo televising all games broadcast on NBC.

Netflix
The MLB awarded Netflix the rights to air MLB’s Opening Night game, starting in 2026 with a March 26 New York Yankees-San Francisco Giants contest; special-events games such as the Field of Dreams game in Iowa; and the T-Mobile Home Run Derby, held ahead of the All-Star Game. Netflix will also air the World Baseball Classic, an international tournament involving MLB players.

Baseball’s other primary TV partners, World Series and All-Star Game rightsholder Fox Sports and TNT Sports, will retain their current packages.

A post on MLB.com quoted MLB commissioner Robert Manfred as calling the new deals “a great opportunity to expand our reach to fans through three powerful destinations for live sports, entertainment and marquee events.”

NEW YORK—Fox Sports said its coverage of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ win over the Toronto Blue Jays in the decisive Game 7 of the 2025 World Series delivered 27,330,000 viewers across Fox, Fox Deportes and Fox Sports streaming platforms. That ranked it as the most-watched World Series game since 2017’s Game 7, which pulled in 29,069,000 viewers, according to Nielsen data.

On Fox, the 11-inning Fall Classic conclusion delivered an average audience of 26,882,000 viewers and peaked at 33,064,000 from 11:45 p.m. to midnight ET. Fox said the number is up 16% over the most recent World Series Game 7 in 2019 and ranks as Fox’s most-watched Saturday primetime telecast since Jan. 18.

TV Tech's coverage of the new technologies that Fox Sports used to produce the games is available here.

Through seven games on Fox, the 121st World Series delivered an average of 15,709,000 viewers—the best complete average for a World Series since 2017 (18,926,000 viewers) and up 2% over last year’s average for five games (15,336,000 viewers), Fox said.

In addition, the complete 2025 MLB postseason on Fox, FS1 and FS2 averaged 8,088,000 viewers, up 8% over last year’s average (7,520,000) and Fox Sports’ best postseason since 2017.

On Fox, Game 7 drew a 22.2/62 rating in Los Angeles, peaking at 26.5/66 from 12:15-12:30 a.m. ET.

Top local markets for the entire World Series included:

• Los Angeles 17.6/53
• San Diego 10.9/40
• Seattle 9.6/37
• St. Louis 9.2/26
• Milwaukee 9.2/27
• Las Vegas 9.1/32
• Portland, Ore. 9.1/34
• Buffalo, N.Y. 8.9/24
• Sacramento, Calif. 8.9/31
• Minneapolis 8.7/27

Fox Sports’ digital platforms and streaming services recorded record levels throughout the 2025 World Series. Game 7 was the most-viewed World Series game in Fox Sports history, with a total average minute audience (AMA) of 752,731. Fox Sports delivered 1.3 billion views for the World Series across @MLBonFox social media channels, up 96% from 2024 (664 million).

In addition, Fox Deportes’ coverage of Game 7 averaged 448,000 viewers—the most-watched Game 7 on Spanish-language television since 2019 (613,000 viewers for Nationals-Astros).

Separately, Major League Baseball said Game 7 of the 2025 World Series averaged 51.0 million viewers combined across the U.S., Canada, and Japan, making the 11-inning contest the most-watched MLB game in 34 years, going back to Game 7 of the 1991 World Series.

BOSTON—Many of the viewers tuning in to Apple TV+’s “Friday Night Baseball” may be quite familiar with the iPhones in their pockets and purses, but what might surprise many is that tonight’s game between the Boston Red Sox and Detroit Tigers will feature footage captured using the new iPhone 17 Pro.

The iPhone 17 Pro will be used to capture live gameplay as well as batting practice, player introductions, dugout angles and fan atmosphere. The game from Fenway Park will mark what is believed to be the first use of the iPhone in a live professional sports broadcast workflow, Apple said.

The iPhones will capture video from multiple positions inside Fenway, including the home dugout, inside the Green Monster and via a roaming RF cam from around the stadium. Footage from the iPhone cameras will be identified with special overlays when used during the broadcast.

Apple has previously worked with Major League Baseball on other production enhancements, such as in-stadium drone shots, real-time probability graphics, umpire helmet and body cams, mic’ed plays and megalodon cameras, the company said.

The final “Friday Night Baseball” broadcast of the season on Apple TV+ begins tonight at 7:10 p.m. ET.

Step-by-step instructions on how to watch the game are available online.

NEW YORK—WPIX-TV New York has announced that it has renewed its multiplatform agreement with the regional sports network SNY to carry New York Mets games through the 2028 season.

For the first time, these games will also air on Nexstar Media Group-owned and operated stations in several upstate New York markets and in Hartford, Connecticut. Nexstar operates WPIX, which is branded on-air as PIX11 and owned by Mission Broadcasting, under a local marketing agreement.

Under the new agreement, PIX11 will carry 30 Mets games each season from 2026 through 2028, including 25 regular-season games primarily on Friday nights, branded as the “Mets Game of the Week,” and five spring training games. Each regular-season game will be preceded by a 30-minute live pre-game show on PIX11.

PIX11’s live coverage of Mets games will be available in WPIX’s New York City metropolitan area territory and five additional upstate and regional markets, including Nexstar stations in Albany, Binghamton, Syracuse and Utica, N.Y., and Hartford, Conn. Each market will also have access to authenticated online streaming, ensuring fans can watch the games live wherever they are in their local markets, Nexstar said.

“As the broadcast home of Mets baseball for more than two decades, PIX11 is proud to extend this winning tradition,” said Chris McDonnell, vice president and general manager of Nexstar’s New York City Operations. “Reaching Mets fans in five additional Nexstar markets across upstate New York and in Hartford is a clear demonstration of the enduring power of broadcast television and PIX11’s unique connection to Mets fans across the region.”

SNY will continue to produce the PIX11 game telecasts, featuring the acclaimed broadcast team of Gary Cohen, Keith Hernandez, and Ron Darling, along with field reporter Steve Gelbs.

A complete schedule of Mets games and streaming details is available here.

BRISTOL, Tenn.—Imagine hearing a call something like this on Saturday: “Matt Olson steps to the plate. He’s batting .261 this season and is the Braves’ top home run producer. There’s the wind-up and the pitch. A deep shot to right field. That dinger is out of here and onto the speedway track.”

Wait, what? The speedway track? No, our hypothetical call isn’t mixing metaphors. That scenario could happen Aug. 2 when the Cincinnati Reds take on the Atlanta Braves in the MLB Speedway Classic at the Bristol Motor Speedway.

For the game, Major League Baseball has transformed the iconic speedway—host to some of the biggest NASCAR races—into a world-class baseball field with the help of BrightView, the league’s official field consultant, and its partners BaAM Production and architecture and design firm Populous. Bringing in 18,000 tons of gravel to level the field and 124,000 square feet of AstroTurf, BrightView converted the speedway’s infield into a full-scale baseball field.

With 85,000 tickets sold, the game may be not only the most well-attended regular season contest in MLB history but also the first MLB game ever played in Tennessee.

For those not traveling to the Volunteer State, however, Fox Sports will cover the game. Televised on Fox stations and affiliates nationwide, it is set for 7:15 p.m. ET.

A Fresh Perspective
Fox Sports has a long history of covering races from the speedway, but preparing to cover an MLB game there required a fresh perspective and a good bit of imagination, Fox Sports Vice President of Field Operations and Engineering Brad Cheney said.

“The first time you go to this place, there are construction cones where home plate, first base, second and third will be,” he said. “You’re standing there trying to imagine things. The stands are going to come up 30 feet. What does that look like? That’s not a tape measure you can hold up.”

Fox Sports began visiting Bristol in the spring of 2023 to plan its coverage and technical layout. Since then, it’s been back five times on planning missions, the most recent of which was two weeks ago, after the MLB All-Star Game in Atlanta, to confirm camera placements and relocate anything that needed to be moved, he said.

“It’s a super-collaborative process over multiple years to make something like this happen. The beauty of it is because we’ve done it now three times—this being our third—we’ve got a great idea of what we need, and we’re able to collaborate a lot better to make this happen in a shorter time span than in the past,” said Cheney, referring to the 2021 and 2022 Field of Dreams games.

Fox Sports, which will produce the game in 1080p HD HDR with a 5.1 surround mix and make a 4K up-res available, relied on computer models of the speedway-ballpark design created by MLB and BaAM Productions to figure out camera positions, walkways and how to move everything that must be moved for the production, he said.

Pointing to the third-base line camera and high-first-base camera positions for the game, Cheney said they were located to capture the unique spectacle of playing the game at the speedway.

“The camera looking down third base line is well up into the grandstand,” Cheney said. “It’s a much different shot angle for us and will help us shoot so many other things in that stadium setup because it’s so large.

“That’s one of those cameras—and high first as well—that are in spots that aren’t normal for a regular major league ballpark but are going to provide the shots we need for the game and also provide us a lot of other coverage throughout the racetrack to show everybody how many people are really there and feel that excitement.”

In all, Fox Sports has deployed 40 cameras for the game, including four super slo-motion cameras, Ump Cam at home plate, drone cameras on Beverly Hills Aerials platforms and a helicopter-mounted camera.

There are also a couple of camera deployments specially designed for the game. Fox Sports has worked with MLB on a remote-control car camera “that’s going to move around the field a bit,” in Cheney’s words, as well as cameras mounted on the golf carts used to shuttle a pitcher from the bullpen to the mound.

“I’m sure we all remember those golf carts from years past. We’re going to doctor them up with in-car cameras just like you’d have at a NASCAR race,” he said, noting the hat tip to the surroundings adds “a little bit of fun” to the transport.

Sound Decisions
For audio, Fox Sports is deploying 20 field mics and 14 microphones on players and coaches. As it’s a regular-season game, there will be no in-game conversations between the players and announcers Joe Davis and John Smoltz. Rather, those mics will be used simply to convey the experience of players who will be hearing the roar of 85,000 fans for the first time.

“We’ve heard that roar there for 25 years with NASCAR, but that’s also with a whole bunch of cars at 150 dBs running around the track and you’re still hearing the crowd,” Cheney said. “But baseball is pretty quiet. When that crowd rips up, I don’t know what we’re going to get here.”

Fox Sports chief baseball audio engineer Joe Carpenter and his team have developed concepts for audio production of the game, but it will likely take an inning to determine how best to handle the crowd noise. “We’ll start small and then build it up and put those pieces in,” said Cheney.

“Obviously, the on-field mics are going to be the same [as normal games], and it’s going to be a great sound from the field itself. But it's that next level of sound [that must be determined],” he said. “How do we best capture the sound of everyone from the start-finish line, all the way through turns one and two and back across the back stretch? How do you capture all that sound? How do you put it into the broadcast? How do you make sure that it doesn't overpower one side or the other?”

Cheney has thought a lot about what it will be like to be on the field Saturday and tried to imagine capturing that experience and conveying it to viewers at home. “I stood in the dugout a week and a half ago and looked up at those stands,” he said. “When that place is full, it is going to be unreal.”

Major League Baseball has struck a strategic partnership with Jomboy Media, taking a minority stake in the digital media company and agreeing to collaborate in a bid by MLB to further expand its online presence.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed

As part of the agreement, MLB said that it would work to integrate Jomboy Media’s expertise across the league’s digital channels, collaborate on key tentpoles like the MLB All-Star Game and find ways to grow Jomboy Media’s stable of intellectual property (IP). That IP currently includes “Talkin’ Baseball,” “Talkin’ Yanks” and “The Warehouse Games.”

In announcing the deal, Jomboy Media said it has grown rapidly over the past year. In 2024, Jomboy Media set revenue and profitability records and totaled more than 93 million social media engagements, placing it in the top 4% of all digital publishers. Over the last year, the company has reached brand partnership deals with official MLB partners Corona and T-Mobile.

One of Jomboy Media’s major offerings is “The Warehouse Games,” a novel sports league modeled after backyard games of years past. The Games are supported by blue-chip sponsors like DirecTV.

Going forward, MLB said it will work with Jomboy Media to have MLB stars, as well as their media and celebrity partners, appear in “The Warehouse Games.” ‘The Warehouse Games” is nearing 400 million all-time views and enjoyed 63% year-over-year growth in the first quarter of 2025, Jomboy reported.

Jomboy Media will also gain access to MLB and club intellectual property and will be integrated across new apparel, home goods and other items that will be sold through JM’s direct-to-customer retail site as well as other distribution channels.

“I continue to be amazed by what our community enables us to do through their endless support,“ Jomboy Media founder Jimmy “Jomboy” O’Brien said. “When we started talking about baseball on the internet, it was just a fun hobby. Our community is the reason we’ve been able to turn this from 'just a hobby' into something bigger than we ever could’ve imagined. Partnering with MLB marks a huge moment for Jomboy Media, and through this partnership, we’ll be able to give back to our community with storytelling that’s deeper than ever before.”

Added MLB Deputy Commissioner, Business and Media Noah Garden: “We have long admired the passionate fandom of Jimmy O’Brien and his unique ability to connect with baseball fans. This partnership will ensure that Jomboy Media will have the resources and access to MLB intellectual property necessary to help it continue to grow. We are looking forward to bringing baseball fans more entertaining content to help further expand baseball’s online presence and deepen the connection between our sport and its fans.”

BOSTON and NEW YORK—The sports network NESN has announced that it has selected ViewLift provide solutions and technologies to upgrade the viewing and streaming experiences available for NESN 360, the direct-to-consumer streaming home for the Boston Red Sox, Boston Bruins and other New England sports programming.

The upgraded DTC and TVE streaming offerings, which will use ViewLift’s “out of the box” features and functionality, are scheduled to relaunch this summer. NESN 360 allows fans to stream all locally-available games live on major devices, including mobile, web and connected TV platforms.

“The fan experience continues to be at the forefront of everything we do. By entering into this partnership, we will continue to focus on delivering dynamic, first in class products for fans of the Red Sox, Bruins and all of our programming,” said NESN president and CEO David Wisnia. “We’re excited about partnering with ViewLift to power feature-rich, reliable streaming for the next iteration of NESN 360.”

In making the announcement, the companies noted that NESN has a long history of tech innovation, which the current agreement continues. NESN was the first to provide fans with High-Definition broadcasts and then the first to offer 4K game broadcasts. In 2022, NESN was the first to launch a direct-to-consumer streaming platform in NESN 360.

“We are particularly proud to work with NESN, a consistent innovator in live sports,” said Rick Allen, CEO of ViewLift. “Our platform now streams 14 US pro teams and five RSNs, more than our competitors combined, and we will bring this experience to bear for the passionate fans of the Red Sox, Bruins, and the other pro and collegiate teams that New Englanders have come to enjoy from NESN.”

With the new deal, ViewLift’s roster of clients now includes streaming platforms for the NHL, and 14 professional teams across that League and the NBA, WNBA and MLB, as well as the Professional Fighters League, LIV Golf, and other sports leagues and teams around the world. The company reported that its robust cloud-based platform ensures seamless, buffer-free streaming and supports flexible monetization models, real-time analytics, fan personalization, and rapid deployment.

With the Major League Baseball season still in its first month, CNBC has issued its first ever list of the most valuable MLB franchises, with the New York Yankees topping the list at $8 billion, followed by the L.A. Dodgers who are valued at $5.6 billion.

The valuations were calculated by sports valuation expert and CNBC’s senior sports reporter Michael Ozanian. After adjusting for revenue sharing, he noted in an article that “the Yankees posted an MLB-high $705 million in revenue during the 2024 season.”

The Dodgers, who are the reigning World Series champions, generated $701 in revenue, according to CNBC’s calculations. The Yankees and the Dodgers were the only two teams to rack up more than $600 million in revenue according to CNBC.

Ozanian also reported that the Yankees, valued as the MLB’s most valuable team at $8 billion, were the third most valuable sports franchise in the U.S., trailing the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys (worth $11 billion) and the NBA’s Golden State Warriors ($9.4 billion). The NFL’s L.A. Rams were also valued at $8 billion.

While the MLB teams had eye-watering valuations, Ozanian also reported that the “MLB has been facing revenue headwinds from the decline of the regional sports network model and concerns about national TV rights, particularly since February, when ESPN announced it would opt out of its agreement with MLB after this season. A lack of a salary cap in the league has also hurt the bottom line. The NBA, NFL and NHL, all of which have salary caps, boast margins for earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, or EBITDA, of about 20%. In contrast, MLB, which does not have a salary cap, has an EBITDA margin of 5%, according to CNBC’s calculations.”

The full rankings along with details of each team can be found here.

The full CNBC clip of Ozanian discussing the rankings can be viewed here.

MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL—The Minnesota Twin have inked a new, multi-year partnership with Gray Media and FOX 9, KMSP, to broadcast 10 Tuesday night regular season games per season. All 10 simulcasts of Major League Baseball’s Twins.TV production will air live in the Twin Cities on the main FOX 9 channel, beginning with an exclusive 30-minute FOX 9 pregame show, “Twins Tuesday Live.” Select Gray Media stations in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Iowa will carry each of the 10 Tuesday games, ensuring local over-the-air coverage of Twins baseball across Twins Territory for the first time since 1988.

All locally-distributed Twins regular season games will also be available on Twins.TV Presented by Progressive.

(Read: Local TV’s Role in Pro Sports Flashes Real Staying Power)

“We joined MLB Media and created Twins.TV in 2025 to increase access for all fans, with a big part being the opportunity to return to free, over-the-air television,” said Twins Executive Chair Joe Pohlad. “To achieve that goal with our partners at FOX 9—a station that has long been dedicated to local programming and the game of baseball—is wonderful for the Twins and our fans, and we could not be more excited. We’re also thrilled to join with Gray Media to air Twins games in communities across our region. The expanded reach of these games will allow more fans to sample Twins baseball and increase consideration for enjoying more of our games on cable, satellite or via the Twins.TV direct-to-consumer streaming service.”

Marian Davey, General Manager of FOX 9 KMSP-TV, said of the partnership, “FOX 9 is thrilled and honored to bring the Minnesota Twins back to broadcast television. The Twins are more than Minnesota’s baseball team, they are part of who we are as a state. For generations, the Twins and Minnesota families have been making lifetime memories together. Now it’s time to make new ones.”

“Gray appreciates the opportunity to join with the Minnesota Twins and FOX 9 to bring free, over-the-air baseball back to Twins Territory for the first time in decades,” said Sandy Breland, Chief Operating Officer of Gray Media. “We know Twins fans across the outer market Twins Territory will love it.”

Beyond the 10-game Tuesday package, an additional five Twins contests have been selected for national FOX Saturday Baseball telecasts this season, meaning that 15 regular season Twins games will air locally on FOX 9 in 2025. Before those matchups, FOX 9 will present “Twins Weekend Live,” an exclusive one-hour pregame show.

As pro sports teams’ engagements with TV station groups explode into a historic search for a successor to the pay-TV distribution model, they’re generating a wealth of promising options with one overarching question still unanswered: Will they last?

Can any of these efforts generate the robust returns pro sports leagues enjoyed during the golden decades of the regional sports network (RSN) era that came to a crashing halt when Diamond, the biggest player in the field, filed for bankruptcy in early 2023? And, if not, do streaming giants really offer the gold-plated payoff some OTT advocates are touting?

Two years into this grand experiment, the acceleration in deals between station owners, pro teams and their leagues, including engagements prompted by the surging popularity of women’s sports, attests to growing optimism that OTA broadcasters are the key to the way forward. But as promising as the early results might be, it remains to be seen whether what’s happening translates into what Gray Media president and co-CEO Pat LaPlatney calls “needle-moving revenues” for the station groups, let alone for teams and leagues.

It’s All About Reach
The good news is, so far, so good on all sides. Noting Gray’s expanding portfolio of alliances with NBA, WNBA, MLB, NHL and other pro sports leagues, LaPlatney asserts the combination of “tons of live sports” and local news offered through Gray’s regional station clusters harkens back to an earlier era in regional broadcast operations. “It’s a really good model,” he says.

And, he adds, it looks like a winning model for the teams as well. “Broader distribution leads to better marketing, better ad sales, selling more tickets and more merch,” he says. “It’s a virtuous cycle.”

Discussions with other station group executives elicit a similar perspective on what has turned the sports tide in their direction amid the nosedive in subscribers to Diamond’s 18 former Baily RSNs now operating under the FanDuel brand and the many other RSNs still dotting the landscape.

That collapse led to FanDuel exercising its rights to broadcast the games by cutting carriage deals with station groups while retaining control over production, which leaves open the question of how carriage and production will be worked out with the leagues once those deals expire.

“The regional sports network was a great business for decades,” says Scripps Sports president Brian Lawlor from last month’s TV Tech Leadership Summit. “It reached 80% of all the households in a market. Today that number is less than 40 in most markets.”

But Brad Ramsey, senior vice president of media operations for Tegna, who heads up the company’s sports distribution efforts, says it’s not easy for station groups as they make their case for providing better reach to the sports leagues. “While audiences are significantly larger on broadcast and we have fantastic data points and case studies estimating and showing we’re achieving big audience growth,” he says, “it’s going to take time for advertising and sponsorship to catch up and match the way things have been done in recent years.”

No Quick Fixes from Streaming
Still, broadcasters can forge ahead knowing there are no quick fixes for the leagues. Looking at MLB’s conundrum following its mutual agreement with ESPN to terminate the final two years of their seven-year contract, legal analyst Rob Rosenberg, founder and principal at Telluride Legal Strategies, cites the risks the league faces trying to fill or exceed the $550-million annual revenue gap with another big distribution deal.

“If you think about it realistically, if MLB is looking for a big payday for putting together a national rights deal in 2028, is Fox CBS, NBC or ABC going to be in a better financial situation than they are today?” Rosenberg asks. And given the volatility and audience fragmentation plaguing the streaming business, there are no easy answers on the streaming side either.

“MLB will have to balance getting maximum dollars in a big contract with the need to get the reach they need to regenerate audiences and fans in their local markets,” he says. “It’s not a long-term win if you leave reach out of the equation.”

The New Consensus on a Way Forward
The consensus now taking hold across the sports ecosystem is that the new business framework will have to be built on a well-conceived mix of local TV, national network broadcasting and streaming with the likelihood the returns on pay TV distribution will continue to slide. “It may take a while for them to phase down and out, but I think RSNs are a dying breed,” Rosenberg says.

HFS Research analyst Jason Dann, in a new report describing how “sports media is scrambling to meet consumer demands,” makes clear where he thinks they should place their bets: “The solution? A hybrid approach. Leaders must balance embracing digital innovation and ensuring accessibility for all audiences.”

Jeremy Goldman, senior director at Emarketer agrees. In another recent post describing research on the sports distribution situation, he says, “The shift to digital viewing represents a pivotal moment in sports media consumption, but the transition poses significant challenges. The fragmentation of rights across multiple platforms creates friction for consumers while driving up costs. Success in this new environment will require balancing traditional broadcast reach with digital innovation.”

Nobody is playing the pro sports broadcast and streaming arena more broadly than Scripps Sports, which has also taken a leading role in bringing women’s pro sports to broadcast (see sidebar). The unit works with the E.W. Scripps portfolio of 61 stations in 41 markets and the national ION broadcast network to provide distribution platforms for sports partners, including the WNBA, the National Women’s Soccer League, the NHL’s Florida Panthers, Vegas Golden Knights and Utah Hockey Club, and the NCAA’s Big Sky Conference.

On the streaming side, along with coordinating with outside streaming services, the company has partnered with sports streamer ViewLift to launch a free streaming outlet providing Panther fans online access to 70 Scripps broadcast games and a pay streaming service in Nevada covering roughly the same number of Golden Knights broadcasts.

“We really like the formula,” Lawlor says, noting the ratings for Scripps’ broadcast of Golden Knights games in the first year of the affiliation were double the previous year and ratings at the halfway mark in the first year with the Panthers are up 130%.

As for any perceived threat from pro teams’ affiliations with the major streaming services, Lawlor believes the broadcast and streaming domains are complementary and are likely to remain that way. “I don’t think it has to be either or,” he says. “It’s all about the visibility.”

Stations and Streamers Collaborate
And, notes Gray’s LaPlatney, for broadcasters it’s all about cooperating with the streamers. “In a lot of our deals, teams do the streaming deal in tandem with what they’re doing with us,” he says.

A particularly close relationship in this vein can be found in Gray’s groundbreaking April 2023 deal with the NBA’s Phoenix Suns and WNBA’s Mercury, which helped kick off pro sports’ teams moves away from RSNs. Along with locking in the Gray affiliations, which ignited statewide OTA broadcasts of all their home games, the teams’ ownership simultaneously signed on with the Kiswe streaming service to supply an AZ Family Sports Network cellphone app that gives residents free statewide online access to the games.

In September following the Phoenix deal, Gray signed another groundbreaking agreement with the New Orleans Pelicans, which replaced RSN coverage reaching about 250,000 households with free OTA and affiliated MVPD coverage over a new Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment Network, reaching 4.1 million households on stations throughout Louisiana, much of Mississippi and Mobile, Ala. With stations serving 113 television markets nationwide, Gray is also racking up big successes with the likes of the Atlanta Braves, Texas Rangers and other MLB teams.

A similar story of ongoing expansion in a variety of dealmaking scenarios is unfolding at Tegna, which operates 64 television stations in 51 U.S. markets. Among a wide range of multi-sport affiliations described by Ramsey, Tegna is the primary rights holder with the Dallas Mavericks and the Seattle Kraken NHL franchise and has been working with the San Antonio Spurs since late 2023.

The company just agreed to carry most WNBA Dallas Wings games, and recently signed with Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, owner of the NBA’s Denver Nuggets and the NHL’s Avalanche, to carry 20 of each team’s games. There are also some OTA “carve outs” involving a handful of Indiana Pacer, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Milwaukee Bucks games, and Tegna is in discussions with five MLB teams weighing OTA partnerships.

One of the more interesting wrinkles in this multifaceted dealmaking quilt is Tegna’s arrangement with Amazon Prime in Seattle. “With Kraken, our linear feed is on Amazon Prime and our sales team is negotiating with advertisers based on how they want to use both the OTA and digital outlets to market their products,” Ramsey says, noting there’s nothing better than a win/win for everyone where teams can create a one-stop shop for marketers to reach all audiences on all screens.

“There are a number of ways linear and streaming can co-exist,” he adds. “In all cases teams are looking at the landscape thinking about how they can make their linear and digital rights complement each other and, at the end of the day, create the best financial outcomes.”

The resurgence in TV stations’ roles in sports broadcasting may just be getting underway, but it’s not too soon to think the hybrid approach to distribution could win out in the long run.

NEW YORK—Streaming tech provider ViewLift has announced the launch of the new Root Sports Stream app that deliveres Seattle Mariners games and Root Sports programming directly to fans across the Pacific Northwest, with or without a cable or satellite subscription.

Root Sports Stream is a direct-to-consumer (DTC) and TV Everywhere streaming solution available now at RootSportsStream.com and on iOS and Android mobile devices, Apple TV, Android TV and Amazon Fire TV. The App (which is priced at $19.99 per month) will be coming soon to Roku, with further device releases planned.

ViewLift, which provided the technology and services for the launch. now powers streaming platforms for 11 top-tier US professional sports teams.

"Our mission is to help leading sports organizations meet their fans where they are—on the devices and platforms they use every day," said Rick Allen, CEO of ViewLift. "With the launch of Root Sports Stream, the Mariners are transforming the fan experience in one of the most innovative tech-forward regions of the country. We're proud to add them to the growing list of pro teams who trust ViewLift to power their direct-to-consumer streaming."

ViewLift said that its solutions and technologies are used for streaming platforms for the NHL, and professional teams across that League and the NBA and MLB, as well as the Professional Fighters League, LIV Golf, World Racing Group, and other sports leagues and teams around the world. The company's robust cloud-based platform ensures seamless, buffer-free streaming and supports flexible monetization models, real-time analytics, fan personalization, and rapid deployment.

Chris Wagner of OTT Advisors assisted Root and the Mariners regarding their digital distribution strategy.

The Root Sports Stream app offers:

• Live and on-demand Mariners baseball
• Full Root Sports programming lineup
• Cross-device access with a user-friendly interface
• Seamless authentication for existing Root Sports subscribers
• Fans can subscribe now at Mariners.com/stream.

PITTSBURGH—NEP Group is continuing to invest in its fleet of mobile units dedicated to remote productions with the addition of a new facility now supporting the NHL on TNT for the 2024-2025 NHL regular season and postseason.

The new mobile unit, named Supershooter 64 within NEP’s industry-leading global fleet, is the newest NEP facility designed specifically to support remote productions – often referred to as REMI productions – adding to a lineup of six similar units making remote workflows seamless for broadcasters and rightsholders across the U.S. Supershooter 64 offers additional flexibility with space to handle onsite production, featuring a dedicated production space accommodating eight people, an audio control room, and a video shading area.

Supershooter 64 is designed to be adaptable, offering a slim, flexible profile while still packing production technology. The unit features 12 Sony 2500 cameras, along with a full suite of audio and communications equipment, ensuring high-quality coverage of live events with a reduced onsite footprint.

Initially, the facility is supporting the NHL on TNT and will later serve TNT’s Major League Baseball coverage, MLS Season Pass and productions for NBC.

“As live production continues to evolve, we continue to invest in facilities offering the very best remote production technologies, and Supershooter 64 is another piece of this long-term commitment,” said Mike Werteen, president, NEP Americas and global chief commercial officer.

“Over the last year we’ve seen tremendous growth and success delivering facilities that connect the action onsite to NEP production hubs and customer facilities, enabling production teams to work from wherever they need to produce amazing content for their audiences,” he continued. “We're incredibly proud to say our connected and remote solutions are supporting significant projects for the PGA TOUR, MLS Season Pass, multiple productions for NBC Sports, ESPN, NASCAR, and the NWSL.”

Visit nepgroup.com to learn more about NEP’s media services and connected production solutions.

ATLANTA–-Gray Media has announced a deal with FanDuel Sports Network and Cincinnati Reds that will allow at least 10 of the Reds’ games to be simulcast free-to-air on WXIX (Fox19) and on the Rock Entertainment Sports Network in Cincinnati.

In addition, Gray-owned stations or syndicated third-party television stations in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, and Tennessee will simulcast free-to-air the FanDuel Sports Network Package of Reds games in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, and Tennessee.

Gray’s television stations in Charleston-Huntington, Lexington, Louisville, and Nashville will air the package, with additional markets to be added soon.

“Fox19 and Rock Entertainment Sports Network are proud to serve our viewers in Cincinnati and across the region by bringing iconic Reds baseball back to free, over-the-air broadcasts,” said Jennifer Rieffer, general manager of WXIX. “There’s nothing quite like Reds baseball on broadcast television.”

The broadcast schedule is as follows:

• Reds Opening Day on Thursday 3/27 vs San Francisco Giants at 4 p.m. ET
• Tuesday 4/29 vs St. Louis Cardinals at 6:30 p.m. ET
• Tuesday 5/6 vs Atlanta Braves at 7 p.m. ET
• Tuesday 6/3 vs Milwaukee Brewers at 7 p.m. ET
• Tuesday 6/17 vs Minnesota Twins at 7 p.m. ET
• Tuesday 6/24 vs New York Yankees at 7 p.m. ET
• Tuesday 7/8 vs Miami Marlins at 7 p.m. ET
• Tuesday 7/29 vs Los Angeles Dodgers at 7 p.m. ET
• Tuesday 8/12 vs Philadelphia Phillies at 6:30 p.m. ET
• Tuesday 9/23 vs Pittsburgh Pirates at 6:30 p.m. ET

NEW YORK—NBCU’s streaming service Peacock continues to ramp up its sports offering with the launch of in-market streaming of four NBC Sports Regional Networks as add-on subscriptions.

The streams, which are priced between $14.95 to $24.95 per month, provide Peacock subscribers with direct access to live MLB, NBA and/NHL games as well as other programming carried by NBC Sports Bay Area, NBC Sports Boston, NBC Sports California or NBC Sports Philadelphia.

The new option enables Peacock Premium or Premium Plus subscribers located in the respective network’s television territory to purchase a monthly add-on subscription in addition to their Peacock subscription to receive the 24/7 stream of their regional sports network’s programming.

The MLB, NBA and NHL teams’ games available to subscribers include MLB’s Athletics, San Francisco Giants and Philadelphia Phillies; NBA’s Boston Celtics, Sacramento Kings, Golden State Warriors and Philadelphia 76ers; and NHL’s Philadelphia Flyers and San Jose Sharks. Other pro and college sports, such as NWSL and NBA G League games, and other programming is included.

The four regional sports networks are:

• NBC Sports Bay Area: live San Francisco Giants (MLB) and Golden State Warriors (NBA) games, surrounded by comprehensive pregame and postgame coverage, and extensive San Francisco 49ers (NFL) programming, highlighted by live gameday shows. NBC Sports Bay Area also provides sports news, analysis and commentary programming and live coverage of other teams, including San Jose State University football and basketball, Bay FC (NWSL) and Santa Cruz Warriors (NBA G League).
• NBC Sports Boston: live Boston Celtics (NBA) games, surrounded by comprehensive pregame and postgame coverage, and extensive New England Patriots (NFL) programming, highlighted by live gameday and daily in-season shows. NBC Sports Boston also provides sports news, analysis and commentary programming, such as ‘Early Edition’ and ‘Boston Sports Tonight,’ and live coverage of other teams, including the Connecticut Sun (WNBA) and Maine Celtics (NBA G League).
• NBC Sports California: live Athletics (MLB) Sacramento Kings (NBA) and San Jose Sharks (NHL) games, surrounded by comprehensive pregame and postgame coverage. NBC Sports California also provides sports news, analysis and commentary programming and live coverage of other teams, including San Jose State University football and basketball, Bay FC (NWSL) and San Jose Barracuda (AHL).
• NBC Sports Philadelphia: live Philadelphia Phillies (MLB), Philadelphia 76ers (NBA) and Philadelphia Flyers (NHL) games, surrounded by comprehensive pregame and postgame coverage, and extensive Philadelphia Eagles (NFL) programming, highlighted by live gameday and daily in-season shows. NBC Sports Philadelphia also provides sports news, analysis and commentary programming, such as ‘SportsNet Central,’ and live coverage of other teams, including college basketball and football.

Prices for the add-on subscriptions are as follows: NBC Sports Bay Area is $17.95/mo.; NBC Sports Boston is $14.95/mo.; NBC Sports California is $17.95/mo.; and NBC Sports Philadelphia is $24.95/mo. Users with a direct-billed Peacock Premium ($7.99/mo.) or Premium Plus ($13.99/mo.) Plan can purchase add-on subscriptions.

The NBC Sports Regional Networks’ live MLB, NBA and NHL game schedules include non-nationally exclusive regular-season and postseason games, as well as select preseason matchups. Live games programmed on the networks’ respective ‘plus’ or overflow channels will be available as live-event streams outside the 24/7 channel.

Peacock reported that in-market blackouts may apply to certain teams’ games (including blackouts of all games for certain teams in particular zip codes) based on user location consistent with television availability and league policies.

ST. LOUIS—Gray Media will broadcast 10 selected games from the St. Louis Cardinals MLB franchise on KMOV (CBS) and Matrix Midwest in St. Louis, on Gray-owned or syndicated third-party TV stations in Missouri, Illinois, Tennessee, Arkansas, Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky and Oklahoma serving nearly seven and a half million television households. The team will simulcast these games with FanDuel Sports Network, the Cardinals’ television rightsholder partner.

The new partnership marks the first time a package of Cardinals baseball games will be televised locally on a free and over-the-air channel as part of a non-national broadcast since 2010.

The partnership’s first pitch will occur on Friday, April 11 when the Cardinals host the Philadelphia Phillies at Busch Stadium 7:15 C.D.T. on KMOV channel 4 and Matrix Midwest in St. Louis (channel 32 over-the-air and channel 6 on Spectrum cable).

The St. Louis and regional television stations will air the following games:

• Friday, April 25 vs. Milwaukee Brewers 7:15 C.D.T. on Matrix Midwest
• Friday, May 16 at Kansas City Royals 6:40 C.D.T. on Matrix Midwest
• Friday, May 30 at Texas Rangers 7:05 C.D.T. on KMOV Channel 4 and Matrix Midwest
• Friday, June 6 vs. Los Angeles Dodgers 7:15 C.D.T. on KMOV Channel 4 and Matrix Midwest
• Friday, June 20 vs. Cincinnati Reds 6:15 C.D.T. on Matrix Midwest

The Cardinals will announce additional free, over-the-air Cardinals games at a later date.

“We are excited that, for the first time in 15 years, fans can watch our games across Cardinals Nation for free and over-the-air, bringing the Cardinals into more homes than ever before,” said Anuk Karunaratne, Cardinals Sr. Vice President of Business Operations. “This expanded reach means more families, communities, and lifelong fans can share in the excitement of Cardinals baseball and cheer on our hometown team throughout the season.”

“KMOV and Matrix Midwest are proud to serve our viewers in St. Louis and across the region, by bringing iconic Cardinals baseball back to free, over-the-air broadcasts,” said J.D. Sosnoff, General Manager of KMOV-TV and Matrix Midwest. “Along with our market-leading co-owned television stations across Cardinals Country, we are ready to bring the excitement from Busch Stadium to the fans.”

Gray’s television stations in Cape Girardeau, Springfield, Memphis, Jonesboro, Rockford, Peoria, Quincy, Evansville, Sioux City, Cedar Rapids, Ottumwa, Davenport, and Rochester/Mason City also plan to air the package.

Matrix Midwest launched in 2024 and is St. Louis’ only free and independent sports and entertainment network, available free over-the-air on channel 32 and channel 6 on Spectrum/Charter.

The announcement is the latest in a number of deals Gray has made to carry professional sports leagues over its local TV stations carrying the FanDuel Sports Network. Last fall, Gray inked a multiyear deal that calls for Gray stations to simulcast 14 Atlanta Braves regular-season games starting in 2025 as well as an agreement to simulcast 10 Kansas City Royals’ regular-season game telecasts.

The station group also began carrying the Chicago Sports Network in Rockford, Ill., and South Bend, Ind., last November, broadcasting games from the NBA’s Bulls, NHL’s Blackhawks and Major League Baseball’s White Sox and other related content free, over-the-air to more than 500,000 households in the two markets.

ESPN announced Thursday night that it will no longer broadcast Major League Baseball games starting in 2026 after the network failed to agree to terms for a new seven year deal.

With a March 1st deadline looming, ESPN decided to opt out of the final three years of their seven-year contract, which was signed in 2021 and valued at $550 million per season.

"We are grateful for our longstanding relationship with Major League Baseball and proud of how ESPN's coverage super-serves fans," the network said in a statement. "In making this decision, we applied the same discipline and fiscal responsibility that has built ESPN's industry-leading live events portfolio as we continue to grow our audience across linear, digital and social platforms.

"As we have been throughout the process, we remain open to exploring new ways to serve MLB fans across our platforms beyond 2025."

ESPN has been carrying MLB games for 35 years with its most recent contract carrying 30 regular season games along with some wild-card games in the post-season. In its earlier contract that ran eight years from 2014-2021, ESPN carried up to 90 regular season games.

But the sports TV scene has changed radically since 1990 with the rise —and eventual fall—of regional sports networks along with the major sports leagues themselves creating their own networks (the MLB network, which launched in 2007, carries select games).

In recent years, streaming services like Apple TV, which inked a deal in 2022 to launch “Friday Night Baseball,” have increasingly encroached on ESPN’s turf. Since 2017, MLB games have been broadcast intermittently on Facebook (2017–2019), Peacock (2021–2023), Twitter (2017–2018), YouTube (2019–2022). In 2024, Roku inked an exclusive multi-year deal to carry Sunday MLB games for free on The Roku Channel.

Fox broadcasts 52 regular season MLB games and is also the exclusive network for the MLB All-Star Game and the World Series. TBS broadcasts 13 regular season games as well as exclusive coverage of the National League Division Series and the National League Championship Series during the postseason. MLB receives an average of $729 million from Fox and $470 million from Turner Sports per year under deals that expire after the 2028 season.

Major League Baseball also commands the highest individual player salaries in the U.S., with its star standout—L.A. Dodgers Shohei Ohtani recently signing a 10-year $700 million contract, the highest in U.S. sports history.

ESPN said it “is still open to pursuing a deal with a reduced rights fee after seeing deals struck with Apple and Roku. Apple pays $85 million per season for a Friday night package it has aired since 2022, while Roku's deal for Sunday afternoon games is worth $10 million per year.”

The stumbling block is over rights fees, which the MLB says don't reflect the impact of the sports' popularity or how the league thinks the network's coverage has deteriorated.

"Unfortunately in recent years, we have seen ESPN scale back their baseball coverage and investment in a way that is not consistent with the sport's appeal or performance on their platform. Given that MLB provides strong viewership, valuable demographics, and the exclusive right to cover unique events like the Home Run Derby, ESPN's demand to reduce rights fees is simply unacceptable. As a result, we have mutually agreed to terminate our agreement."

It added that there is "significant interest from both traditional media companies and streaming services who would like to obtain rights to MLB games. We will be exploring those opportunities for a new agreement which would start in the 2026 season following the conclusion of ESPN's agreement at the end of this year," the league said.

ATLANTA—Gray Media has announced a deal with baseball’s Kansas City Royals in which its stations will simulcast 10 regular-season game telecasts with incumbent rightsholder FanDuel Sports Network.

Games will be shown on Gray-owned CBS affiliate KCTV, MyNetwork station KSMO-TV or both on Sundays throughout baseball season, the station group said, with selected games announced at a later date.

The simulcasts will greatly increase the telecasts’ reach and access, providing a new way for nearly 7 million households to watch the Royals via free over-the-air broadcasts on Gray stations, the Major League Baseball team said

All 10 games will be broadcast on KSMO, with at least six also airing on KCTV. Gray stations cover much of the Royals’ home television territory, which inxludes markets in Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa and Arkansas.

“Sharing our games, highlighting our world-class athletes, and telling our story to as many people as possible is a top priority for us,” Royals president of business operations Brooks Sherman said. “This agreement gives our fans the power to watch however they want, whether that’s on cable, streaming or local TV. We are thrilled to partner with Gray Media and know their experience and expertise will be beneficial for both the Royals and our fans.”

Added KCTV-KSMO Vice President and General Manager Curtis Miles: “KCTV5, KSMO and Gray Media are thrilled to bring the Royals back to free, over-the-air television. Gray Media has made significant investments in live sports, and we’re proud to bring viewers what they want.”

The Royals and Gray will also collaborate on ancillary programming designed to connect fans to the team, the broadcaster said. Royals players, coaches, leadership and alumni could be featured in content that brings fans closer than ever and adds ways to follow the team beyond games, Gray said.

More information on the selected games and additional programming will be released prior to opening day, set for March 27 against the Cleveland Guardians.

ARLINGTON, Texas, and EL SEGUNDO, Calif.—DirecTV today announced a multiyear distribution agreement with the MLB 2023 World Series champion Texas Rangers to broadcast pregame, postgame and live game telecasts across a five-state footprint, including all of Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana and Eastern New Mexico, in time for opening day on March 27.

This wide-ranging streaming, satellite and IPTV licensing agreement is one of the first for the Rangers Sports Network, according to DirecTV. Fans will be able to find Texas Rangers games on channel 677 and U-verse TV channels 1752 (HD)/752 (SD).

As part of their upcoming television and streaming plans, the Rangers also plan to make 15 games available via over-the-air local broadcast stations, nearly all for home Friday contests. DirecTV has ongoing rights to offer those games to its satellite-free streaming, satellite and U-verse TV homes in the Rangers’ home territory, too. This is the first time the club has included broadcast games in its TV offerings since 2014, DirecTV said.

The Rangers are the 28th (of 29) MLB franchises across the U.S. to join DirecTV to offer local games.

“We continue to believe in the unique power of local teams like the Texas Rangers to unite the communities they call home, and this relationship will continue to distinguish DirecTV as an industry leader for baseball fans,” DirecTV Chief Content Officer Rob Thun said. “We want to create opportunities for local fans and businesses to support their hometown teams while also offering consumers more choice, flexibility, and the ability to obtain the programming they feel best meets their own interests at a good value.”

DirecTV says fans can add Rangers telecasts to its new MySports sports-centric streaming package which it announced earlier this month at an additional cost. The package of 40 sports and broadcast channels, includes national sports channels, league and college conference-operated channels, women’s sports, specialty sports, local broadcast stations and upcoming sports streaming services like ESPN+ and ESPN Flagship. Additionally, all DirecTV customers with access to Rangers Sports Network can watch using their credentials for the Victory+ streaming app, which is also home to the region’s NHL Dallas Stars. MySports continues to expand beyond its initial availability in 24 major metro regions, including Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin and Houston, that lie within the Rangers’ home territory.

SOUTHPORT, Conn.—A U.S. bankruptcy court has approved Diamond Sports Group’s reorganization plan, paving the way for the troubled regional sports network owner to emerge from Chapter 11 protection. Diamond expects to complete the restructuring process in the coming weeks.

The ruling in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas ends a long-running saga that highlighted the massive impact of cord-cutting on RSNs. After Sinclair paid $10.6 billion for the 21 former Fox Sports Net RSNs in 2019 and set up Diamond as a subsidiary, cord-cutting and a declining pay TV business pushed the group into Chapter 11 in March 2022.

Under the terms of the plan, Diamond will complete a comprehensive balance sheet restructuring that will reduce its debt from almost $9 billion to $200 million. On completion, Diamond will be capitalized with more than $100 million in cash and cash equivalents on its balance sheet.

Upon emergence, Diamond’s lead creditors—funds managed by or affiliated with PGIM, Inc., Hein Park Capital Management LP, Discovery Capital Management, Hudson Bay Capital Management LP and Alta Fundamental Advisors LLC—will exchange certain funded debt claims for equity in the reorganized company.

Sinclair’s equity interests in Diamond will be canceled.

Diamond will operate as a standalone entity, having completed its operational separation from Sinclair.

The new owners hope a streaming deal with Amazon's Prime Video, a naming rights agreement with FanDuel that saw the RSNs rebranded as FanDuel Network and rights to 27 MLB, NHL and NBA teams will be enough for the operations to prosper.

When it comes out of Chapter 11, Diamond will be home to 13 NBA teams, 8 NHL teams and 6 MLB teams, including:

• NBA: Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Hornets, Cleveland Cavaliers, Detroit Pistons, Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks, Minnesota Timberwolves, Oklahoma City Thunder, Orlando Magic and San Antonio Spurs.
• NHL: Carolina Hurricanes, Columbus Blue Jackets, Detroit Red Wings, Los Angeles Kings, Minnesota Wild, Nashville Predators, St. Louis Blues and Tampa Bay Lightning.
• MLB: Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Angels, Miami Marlins, St. Louis Cardinals, Detroit Tigers and Tampa Bay Rays.

Following Diamond’s completion of the restructuring process, David Preschlack, CEO; Eric Ratchman, president of distribution and business development; and David DeVoe Jr., chief operating officer and chief financial officer will remain in their respective roles. Diamond’s Board will include new members after emergence from bankruptcy.

“Today is a landmark day for Diamond, as we embark on a new path for our business. Diamond is now unencumbered by legacy debt, financially stable and enthusiastically supported by new ownership,” Preschlack said. “Over the last 18 months, we have worked tirelessly to strengthen our business, including by reaching revised multiyear rights agreements with team and league partners, go-forward carriage agreements with major distribution partners, a broad naming rights partnership with FanDuel and a commercial agreement with Amazon. These critical achievements and a realigned business are enabling us to emerge as a sustainable, go-forward entity that drives value for our partners and fans.”

Preschlack continued: “Looking ahead, Diamond is well-positioned to further enhance its product offering and remains committed to delivering the highest quality live sports content in-market to fans through both linear and direct-to-consumer frameworks. I want to express my gratitude to the hardworking Diamond Sports Group employees for their unwavering support, dedication and continued confidence throughout this transformative period. Together, we are excited to build a bright future for Diamond and our stakeholders.”

Additional information regarding Diamond’s Chapter 11 proceeding, including court filings and information about the claims process are available here.

CHICAGO—Chicago Sports Network (CHSN), which televises games and content from the Chicago Blackhawks, Bulls and White Sox, said it will roll out its its new subscription streaming service for fans on Friday (Nov. 15).

The service will let fans stream games involving the three teams on the CHSN app (available on iOS and Android) or on any web browser.

The offering will include a CHSN Live Game Center that will offer:

• Live streams of Blackhawks, Bulls and White Sox games
• Real-time game coverage with in-game highlights
• Pregame and postgame coverage, including interviews with athletes and coaches

Subscription packages will start at $19.99 per month for one team or $29.99 per month for full access to all three teams’ live games. Fans can enjoy a free 7-day trial of a package of their choice. The streams can also be cast from the web or the app to larger screens, including the TV.

“We are excited to offer Chicago sports fans a one-of-a-kind digital product enabling immediate access to live games and a complement of personalized, on-demand content,” CHSN President Jason Coyle said. “Today’s announcement is the next step in our long-term commitment to Chicago sports fans everywhere and is another new and compelling way for us to serve and connect with them.”

Subscribers of the full access package will also get access to CHSN’s programming slate, which includes “The Chicago Lead,” “The Big College Football Show,” “The Big Pro Football Show presented by the Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana Chevy Dealers,” and a simulcast of WSCR radio’s “Mully and Haugh” morning show.

CHSN partnered with ViewLift, an over-the-top technology vendor that has created DTC streaming platforms for sports and entertainment clients. ViewLift’s roster includes the Altitude+ streaming service in Denver; Monumental Sports Network in Washington; the NHL and individual teams; as well as the NBA, NBCUniversal, LIV Golf, Tegna and others.

Authentication via eligible TV providers will be made available in the coming weeks, followed by access to the games via connected TV applications such as Roku, Fire TV and Apple TV.

To purchase the new streaming service, fans can visit CHSN.com or download the app in the iOS App Store or Google Play.

NEW YORK—Fox Sports is reporting large audience numbers for the 2024 World Series and its coverage of the postseason, as 18.6 million viewers across Fox, Fox Deportes and Fox Sports streaming platforms watched Game 5 of the World Series, making it the most-watched Game 5 of the fall classic since 2017.

It was also the most-streamed World Series in the network’s history, Fox reported.

On Fox, the conclusion to the Los Angeles Dodgers-New York Yankees matchup delivered an average audience of 18,152,000 viewers and peaked at 21,268,000 from 11:15-11:30 p.m. (ET), delivering the most-watched Game 5 of the World Series since 2017 (Dodgers vs. Houston Astros, with 18,959,000 viewers).

The Dodgers’ second World Series clinch in four years was up 58% over last year’s World Series Game 5 (Texas Rangers-Arizona Diamondbacks, which tallied 11,483,000 viewers).

Across all networks, the 120th World Series dominated the television landscape with an average of 15,808,000 viewers, the best combined figure for the Fall Classic since 2017, Fox said.

Through five games on Fox alone, the World Series averaged 15,204,000 viewers, up 67% over last year’s five-game average (9,108,000), delivering the best five-game average of the World Series since 2017 (16,416,000).

In addition, the complete 2024 MLB postseason on Fox and FS1 averaged 7,485,000 viewers, up 42% from last year’s average (5,265,000) and Fox Sports’ best baseball postseason through Game 5 of the World Series since 2017.

Game 5 was also the most-streamed World Series game in Fox Sports history, with a total average minute audience (AMA) of 487,386.

Overall, the five-game series was the most-streamed fall classic in network history with a total AMA of 368,808. That figure is up 123% over last year and up 59% from the previous all-time high in 2022.

On Fox, Game 5 drew a 21.1/55 rating in Los Angeles and a 14.8/39 in New York.

Top available markets for the entire World Series include:

• Los Angeles (18.9/53)
• San Diego (12.4/41)
• New York (12.2/33)
• Hartford, Conn. (11.1/30)
• Las Vegas (9.3/28)
• Kansas City (8.7/25)
• Phoenix (8.2/25)
• St. Louis (8.2/24)
• West Palm Beach, Fla. (8.2/21)
• Portland, Ore. (8.0/30)

Fox Deportes’ coverage of Game 5 averaged 447,000 viewers, making it the network’s most-watched MLB game this season as well as the most-watched World Series Game 5 since 2018 (Boston Red Sox-Los Angeles Dodgers, with 577,000 viewers). Game 5 was up 174% over last year (166,000) and peaked at 540,000 from 11:45 p.m. to midnight (ET), the company reported.

The 2024 World Series averaged 504,000 viewers on Fox Deportes, doubling last year’s average (181,000) and making it the most-watched in Spanish-language television history.

The complete 2024 MLB Postseason on Fox Deportes averaged 281,000 viewers, the highest-performing postseason ever for the network.

BELLEVUE, Wash.—T–Mobile has announced a "Rally for Relief" effort to help those impacted by recent hurricanes. As part of the campaign, the cellphone carrier said it would donate $25,000 for every home run hit during the World Series and that it would also send $10 to relief efforts when anyone texts ‘RALLY’ to 90999, for a total of up to $1 million.

In partnership with the American Red Cross, Rally for Relief will support communities affected by hurricanes and tropical storms in 2024, including hurricanes Helene and Milton.

“Since hurricanes Helene and Milton made landfall, T-Mobile’s Emergency Response teams have been on the ground helping restore connectivity and assist impacted communities,” Mike Katz, president of marketing, strategy and products, T-Mobile, said. “Now, as those communities are working through the challenging process of rebuilding, we remain by their side, extending our support and enabling baseball fans to join us through Rally for Relief. We’re using one of baseball’s biggest stages to bring attention to these impacted areas and make a difference for the communities that need it most.”

Also Read: Fox Sports Aims To Enhance World Series Coverage With ‘Inside-Out’ Perspective

Donations raised as part of Rally for Relief will enable the Red Cross to help those affected by hurricanes and tropical storms in 2024.

The commitment follows T-Mobile's previous efforts during MLB’s Postseason and its longstanding support of hurricane recovery and restoration efforts, it said.

Since first introducing Home Runs for Hurricane Recovery in 2017, T-Mobile said it has donated over $7.5 million to organizations supporting hurricane and natural disaster relief and recovery efforts. T-Mobile’s efforts have supported the rebuilding of over 30 homes in Florida following Hurricane Irma in 2017 and the building of more than 500 hurricane-resilient roofs in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria. The carrier also partnered with the Red Cross to provide connectivity support to over 200 evacuation centers in Florida ahead of Hurricane Ian in 2022.

(This year’s World Series, which starts Oct. 25, could see a lot of home runs. It will feature Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees, baseball’s top home-run hitter in 2024 with 58, facing off against No. 2 slugger Shohei Ohtani, with 54 home runs, and his Los Angeles Dodgers.)

As a part of the Rally for Relief donation commitment and campaign, T-Mobile also teamed up with nine-time Grammy Award-winning musician Sheryl Crow to record a new track titled “Light a Candle,” penned by Kobalt Music/Little Louder publishing writer Luke Dick and co-writer and songwriter Ronan O’Mahony. The track will be featured in a new TV spot debuting during Game 1 of the World Series. Crow’s proceeds from the song will be donated to the American Red Cross.

“In the wake of these historic storms, countless individuals have faced life-altering devastation to their homes, their towns and to their everyday lives,” Crow said in a statement. “I'm thankful for the opportunity to lend my voice to the relief efforts in partnership with T-Mobile and give these folks who are truly in need a helping hand. I hope that anyone who hears this song will be inspired to participate and contribute to the cause by donating.”

T-Mobile is launching its Rally for Relief campaign as a partner of Major League Baseball, adding to the nearly $4 million contributed by MLB and its clubs to date.

Also Read: Cox Media Group Provides Nearly $1 Million for Hurricane Relief

As part of its relief efforts, T-Mobile said it sent more than 600 emergency crew members, field engineers and technicians to areas impacted by Helene and Milton. The company’s Network Team deployed and maintained over 800 generators — alongside other temporary connectivity solutions — to rapidly restore coverage to affected sites.

In addition, T-Mobile's Emergency Response Team operated Wi-Fi trailers and trucks, a Mobile Command Center, charging stations and distributed supplies like charging cords and more. Key team members also collaborated with federal, state and local officials, working with emergency management officials and in-state operations centers to ensure prioritization of key recovery areas. More on T-Mobile’s ongoing response is available at: https://www.t-mobile.com/news/emergency-response.

LOS ANGELES—Major League Baseball rules like the 18-second pitch clock aren’t the only thing that’s changed about the national pastime.

How games are produced for television is undergoing a series of incremental changes that, when taken together, will bring a fresh point of view to those watching the action. That will be especially true during the Fox Sports production of this year’s World Series between the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers.

[Game 1 of the 2024 World Series is Friday, Oct. 25, starting at 8:08 p.m. (ET). The series will air exclusively on the Fox broadcast network and Fox Deportes. Streaming coverage will be available on the Fox Sports App and FoxSports.com.]

“There are some years that are revolutionary, and some years that are evolutionary,” said Michael Davies, senior vice president of technical and field operations at Fox Sports, referring to at least a half-dozen production and technology enhancements added over the years.

“You put all of these changes together, and you’re starting to say, ‘My God, there's been a ton of evolution in baseball [coverage],’ ” he said. “Year-on-year, we’ve gone from covering the game from the outside in to looking for ways to cover it from the inside out.” Much of the credit for this evolution goes to Fox Sports producer Pete Macheska, director Matt Gangl and Brad Cheney, vice president of field operations and engineering, Davies said.

Inside-Out
Fox Sports is augmenting familiar production staples like Dirt Cams, on-field mics and in-game player interviews, which have helped to bring an “inside-out” perspective to viewers, with enhanced versions of other production technology.

Perhaps the most notable enhancement will be a new Ump View camera that brings a far clearer point of view from behind the plate to the production.

“Ump View is a fantastic camera,” Davies said. [Production coordinator] Rob Bunn and the RF Wireless guys have done a phenomenal job improving that camera. We’re using their very new camera now, and that actually makes a big difference in terms of clarity, eliminating motion blur. And the battery life is insane.”

Davies credited MLB for its willingness to work with RF Wireless to perfect an RF camera mounted at the top of the plate umpire’s mask that can be shaded to match other game cameras and support its use during games. Fox Sports, which debuted its use of the camera during the 2022 MLB All-Star Game, is looking forward to seeing its clearer shots integrated into World Series coverage, he says.

“You know, baseball, being good partners, allows us to do these things,” he said. “Their evangelism of the umpire camera was the reason that now it’s becoming an indispensable type of camera, and you know, we’re really looking forward to seeing what the next umpire cam can do.”

How drones are used also contributes to the inside-out perspective the broadcaster is seeking. Between innings, Hummingbird drones add a first-person perspective, Davies said.

“We started several years ago using drones,” he said. “Using them in the game is table stakes—not only for beauty shots but to capture a unique perspective during some interesting between-inning flights.”

Evolution To Revolution
As with its other MLB postseason coverage, Fox Sports will shoot the World Series in 1080p HDR, which Davies considers to be “table stakes” for an industry continuing to evolve from 720p and 1080i HD and standard dynamic range.

The broadcaster also will incorporate its “iterative home-run tracker” to represent home runs graphically and “make the look and sound more exciting,” as well as a new treatment for behind-the-plate ad signage that doesn’t require a green board, he said.

“We use a method to place the ads between the players and the wall,” Davies said. “It’s not revolutionary, but if you don’t think about the ads and you don't see a green board, that's a good thing.”

Fox Sports will continue to use its strike-zone treatment—a far subtler approach than others, says Davies.

“That’s something that’s uniquely Fox,” he said. “Everybody does the strike zone. We do a very subtle strike zone that you can kind of see if you’re looking for it, and you kind of miss if you’re not, which is exactly what we are trying to achieve.”

If all of these advancements are steps up the evolutionary ladder, what will characterize the next revolution in remote production? While Davies didn’t specifically identify what might be the next big thing, he did point to artificial intelligence as a potential catalyst certain to play a bigger role in the future.

“If you squint, you’ll see AI everywhere,” he said. “AI is all around us, and we’re just beginning to understand how to use it.”

Early use cases have involved video interpolation—mathematically creating new video frames squeezed between real frames, like lunch meat between two slices of bread—that have powered production tech like XtraMotion synthetic slow motion, he said.

AI algorithms also create rich metadata that makes it easier to find desired shots on the Fox Sports media asset-management system and can cut the time needed to create highlight reels and find specific shots for replays.

“What we’re looking at in the future for AI is tracking, having tracking inform different high-resolution cameras,” he said.

Even generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) will play a role in the future, but not one that threatens the jobs of those who produce the games, Davies said.

“Everybody wants to talk about Gen AI. It's funny that there just aren’t too many hard-and-fast use cases,” Davies said. “I keep hearing the same things over and over again. Like we can do real-time translation. We can do real-time descriptive audio. But in terms of the machines coming for our jobs, we're not quite seeing that yet.”

MIAMI and NEW YORK—TelevisaUnivision has concluded a new multi-year agreement with Major League Baseball (MLB) that will allow TelevisaUnivision networks set to provide dedicated coverage of the MLB regular season starting Tuesday, Aug. 20, and continuing through the entire postseason. 

The multiyear agreement includes a new weekly whip-around show – “MLB En Vivo,” featuring live look-ins, highlights and recaps of up to 15 games every Tuesday throughout the remainder of the regular season, airing live on UniMás from 9:00 pm to 11:00 pm ET coast-to-coast. 

TelevisaUnivision will also produce “MLB Esta Semana” during the regular season, a weekly MLB-focused show airing on UniMás in the U.S. every Saturday at 3:00 pm ET/PT, and on TUDN in Mexico. 

“MLB En Vivo” and “MLB Esta Semana” will be simulcast on TUDN each week and will also be available on the premium tier of ViX, TelevisaUnivision’s streaming service. 

TelevisaUnivision will also have the exclusive Spanish-language rights in the U.S. to the 2024 American League Division Series and American League Championship Series, which will air on UniMás and simulcast on TUDN, with select games on Univision. 

Additionally, Game 1 of the 2024 World Series will be broadcast on Univision, in conjunction with Fox Sports and Fox Deportes, giving fans access to the Fall Classic for the first time in the U.S. on an over-the-air Spanish-language broadcast network. 

“Major League Baseball is truly excited for the launch of this new partnership, as it provides a valuable opportunity to increase exposure for our great game across the formidable reach of TelevisaUnivision’s unmatched domestic platform,” said Kenny Gersh, executive vice president, media and business for Major League Baseball. “Communicating authentically with our robust Spanish-speaking fanbase is a priority for Baseball and this partnership will allow us to connect them more directly to our brand, our clubs, and the growing number of dynamic Latino stars represented in the game today.” 

“We are proud to partner with Major League Baseball, delivering action from the best players and teams to our viewers across the country,” said Marco Liceaga, senior vice president of sports rights acquisitions & commercial partnerships at TelevisaUnivision. “Baseball is engrained in Latin culture. With Hispanic players making up more than 30% of the league, this first-time partnership deal will undoubtedly bring a new wave of pride, influence and sense of community, providing Spanish-speaking fans with in-language coverage of the game they love.” 

This new deal adds to TelevisaUnivision’s coverage of Major League Baseball as the official national Spanish-language audio partner in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. TUDN Radio broadcasts each Sunday Night game of the week, July 4 games, the MLB All-Star Game, Labor Day games, the MLB Postseason and the World Series. 

As part of an effort to boost revenue since going public, Reddit has announced a partnership program with major sports leagues that will bring more sports highlights to the Reddit platform and open up new advertising opportunities on Reddit via video ads, automotive model ads (AMAs), and other formats.

The new partnership program will involved many of the most popular sports leagues in the U.S. including the NFL, NBA, MLB, PGA Tour, and NASCAR to bring content to Reddit communities. 

In making the announcements, Reddit noted that the major sports leagues are some of “our most engaged Reddit Pro users and best-in-class examples of the power of engagement within Reddit communities. In addition, sports are one of Reddit’s most popular and fastest-growing (at +26% YOY) interest groups, bringing together highly engaged fans across over 1000 communities.” 

“We believe these new partnerships can enhance our community experience with content that fans want while enabling advertisers to align with expanded fan content on Reddit,” Reddit said in a blog post. “Through our official partnerships with the NFL, NBA, MLB, PGA Tour, and NASCAR, redditors will gain access to video highlights from games and tournaments, player AMAs, behind-the-scenes videos, and more special content posted by the leagues throughout their seasons and including during major events like Super Bowl and NBA All-Star.”

The effort builds on a test with the NFL during the 2023-24 season that saw FanDuel, Samsung, Ford, Volkswagen of America and several others advertise on the platform. “During the test, an alcoholic beverage brand saw a +11.3 point lift in purchase intent, a +9.4 point lift in brand favorability, and a 5.9 point lift in awareness by activating alongside premium video content from the NFL,” Reddit reported. 

“Reddit is the go-to destination for sports fans around the world because it’s the place where they can dive deeper than anywhere else, and connect with other fans beyond the season and throughout the year,” said Reddit’s COO Jen Wong said in a statement. “The country’s major sports leagues see the opportunity to reach global audiences on Reddit. We’re continuing to build more ways for businesses and organizations to engage with Reddit’s communities; this benefits our communities, program partners, and advertisers.”

Reddit also noted that there are over 1,000 active communities in the sports category. Those produced 20.4 billion screen views to communities in the sports category in the last 12 months (up 26% YoY) and 249 million global monthly engagements (posts, votes, comments) in sports communities on Reddit. 

Major League Baseball announced that the MLB Network launched on Hulu + Live TV in time for the start of the 2024 season. 

Hulu + Live TV added MLB Network to its core channel lineup. The launch will provide subscribers with access to over 100 nationally broadcast MLB games to Hulu + Live TV subscribers over the course of the season, plus MLB Network’s wide variety of studio programs and on-site coverage.

The MLB Network Showcase game for Opening Day will featured Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado visiting Mookie Betts, Shohei Ohtani and the Dodgers in Los Angeles.

MLB Network will also welcome some newcomers to its cast for the 2024 season, including new Yahoo Sports National MLB insider Russell Dorsey and Emmy-nominated host Abby Labar. Dorsey will make regular appearances on MLB Network’s “Off Base” while Labar will host “Quick Pitch,” which brings fans up to speed on everything that happened that day in baseball, the MLB reported in a post. 

DENVER AND EL SEGUNDO, Calif.—DirecTV has announced a new agreement with Major League Baseball that will allow Colorado Rockies fans to see this season’s games on a new, dedicated team-channel. 

Beginning MLB Opening Day, March 28, local DirecTV satellite and streaming customers across the multi-state MLB-mandated Rockies home territory will automatically receive live, high-definition coverage of Rockies games included with Choice package or higher. The games will be available on DirecTV (Ch. 683) and DirecTV Stream (Ch 683).

“Colorado sports fans have made DirecTV the top destination to get all their favorite local teams,” said Rob Thun, chief content officer of DirecTV. “We will continue to work with MLB, the NBA, NHL, and other top leagues and their local franchises so the most avid fans can get the games they want while other customers have more choice over the content they want to pay to have in their homes.”

The Rockies, like other MLB teams, feature national telecasts on Fox, FS1, ESPN, TBS, and MLB Network, all of which remain available across DirecTV’s satellite, streaming, and U-verse services. This new, dedicated team channel for Rockies games will be known as “MLB Colorado Rockies” and will appear in the programming guide as “ROCKIES.”

DirecTV will provide each game, complemented by MLB-produced pregame and postgame analysis, to all the fans living in the same Rockies home territory as before. This includes all of Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah, as well as portions of western Nebraska, eastern Idaho, and northern New Mexico. 

The new MLB-DirecTV agreement also provides the same Rockies coverage to hundreds of regional sports bars, restaurants, hotels, and other venues serviced by DirecTV For BUSINESS, the unrivaled industry leader in live sports delivery to businesses.

This is now the third time DirecTV has entered into an agreement with MLB to provide a dedicated team channel to keep local fans connected to a favorite team. DirecTV added similar channels for the reigning 2023 National League champion Arizona Diamondbacks and Rockies’ National League West rival San Diego Padres last season that will now return to those fans for the upcoming 2024 season. 

DirecTV continues to offer local fans throughout Colorado and the surrounding region the reigning 2022-23 NBA champion Denver Nuggets and recent 2022 NHL Stanley Cup champion and Western Conference favorite Colorado Avalanche games that otherwise remain unavailable on the area’s other major distributors.

DirecTV for Business has announced that it has renewed its agreement to deliver Apple TV+’s “Friday Night Baseball” doubleheader to its network of more than 300,000 restaurants, bars, hotel lounges, retail shops and other venues. 

Last week, DirecTV for Business also announced that it had renewed an agreement to deliver MLS Season Pass, the subscription service from Apple and Major League Soccer to commercial establishments. 

Apple and Major League Baseball (MLB) announced that “Friday Night Baseball,” a weekly doubleheader, will be available to Apple TV+ subscribers on Fridays throughout the 2024 regular season. Fans in 60 countries and regions can enjoy two marquee matchups over 26 weeks with no local broadcast restrictions. “Friday Night Baseball” will begin on opening weekend of the 2024 season Friday, March 29. 

“We’re so excited to bring fans another great season of ‘Friday Night Baseball’ on Apple TV+,” said Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Services. “We have an outstanding lineup of games for Apple TV+ subscribers to watch across all their favorite devices, and an incredible group of talented broadcasters returning to bring fans closer to the games every week.”

“Friday Night Baseball” is produced by MLB Network’s Emmy Award-winning production team in partnership with Apple’s live sports production team. Each game will feature state-of-the-art cameras to present vivid live-action shots, and offer immersive sound in 5.1 with Spatial Audio enabled. “Friday Night Baseball” will again utilize drone cameras for beautiful aerial stadium shots, as well as player mics and field-level mics to immerse fans in the gameplay and stadium atmosphere.

EL SEGUNDO, Calif.—Spectrum Networks has announced a new, multi-year distribution agreement with DirecTV for regional sports networks Spectrum SportsNet and SportsNet LA.

At a time when pay TV operators have been looking for ways to cut costs and have been dropping regional sports networks, this new agreement offers a significantly lower penetration threshold, giving DirecTV the ability to provide more affordable and flexible options to customers not interested in premium sports programming while still serving those who want live NBA Los Angeles Lakers and MLB Los Angeles Dodgers games.

“While viewing habits continue to shift, it’s clear that regular season professional sports programming remains extremely popular with a core base of traditional cable, satellite, and OTT customers,” said Dan Finnerty, senior vice president and general manager, Spectrum Networks. “That said, given these customers represent a relatively small percentage of the overall video subscriber base, and recognizing the marked increase in direct-to-consumer choices, the model for RSNs needs to evolve to reflect the realities of the current marketplace. With this agreement, we are taking a step to shift the business model so that customers have more control.”

As usual, financial terms of the distribution agreement were not revealed. 

Under the new deal, DirecTV, DirecTV Stream, and U-verse customers throughout Southern and Central California, portions of Nevada including Las Vegas, as well as Hawaii will continue to enjoy live coverage of future Dodgers and Lakers games, pregame and postgame analysis, as well as exclusive studio and original programming such as “Backstage: Dodgers” and “Backstage: Lakers.” 

“DirecTV continues to believe in the power of local sports, while also recognizing the demands of the many homes we serve with other diverse programming interests,” said Rob Thun, chief content officer of DirecTV. “This agreement with Spectrum Networks achieves three key objectives – putting consumers first, recognizing local value, and enabling both parties to extend their relationship with long-term, mutual benefits.”

Sinclair subsidiary Diamond Sports Group has decided to no longer pay  Major League Baseball's San Diego Padres and has dropped the team from the Bally Sports regional sports networks portfolio. 

“Diamond Sports Group (DSG) has decided not to provide additional funding to the San Diego RSN that would enable it to make the rights payment to the San Diego Padres during the grace period and will no longer be broadcasting Padres games after Tuesday, May 30," Diamond said in a statement provided to TV Tech sister brand Next TV Tuesday afternoon.

"While DSG has significant liquidity and has been making rights payments to teams, the economics of the Padres’ contract were not aligned with market realities," Diamond added. "MLB has forced our hand by its continued refusal to negotiate direct-to-consumer (DTC) streaming rights for all teams in our portfolio despite our proposal to pay every team in full in exchange for those rights. We are continuing to broadcast games for teams under our contracts.”

MLB says it will support teams that are no longer receiving compensation from Diamond and will offer Padres games via its MLB.TV app for free until June 4. Starting next Monday, June 5, Padres fans will be charged $20 per month of $75 for the remainder of the regular season and will also mean that local blackout rules will not apply. 

Fans will also be able to catch the games on a new channel via cable, satellite and streaming.

NextTV has the story.  

NEW YORK—FuboTV has announced its second branding and promotional partnership with a Major League Baseball team. The deal with the Cleveland Guardians follows a similar agreement with the Boston Red Sox announced on May 1.

The Cleveland Guardians partnership features the launch of Fubo branding at Progressive Field, including behind home plate, and fan engagement opportunities.

Guardians fans also have the opportunity to stream Fubo’s leading sports, news and entertainment programming via an extended free trial. The team’s season ticket members will receive an email to access a free 30 day Fubo trial while all fans are eligible for a free 14 day trial at https://www.fubo.tv/stream/cleveland-guardians/.

Fubo is a major provider of streaming sports content and in Cleveland the virtual MVPD streams Guardians games through regional sports networks (RSNs), local broadcast networks and national sports networks (ESPN and FS1) as well as MLB Network, MLB Strike Zone and MLB.TV. 

Fubo offers significant local sports coverage of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Cleveland Browns as well.

“Fubo is proud to be a partner of the Cleveland Guardians and expand our leading game coverage to in-person engagement with their fans,” said Yale Wang, senior vice president, marketing, Fubo. “We’re looking forward to working with the team to provide fans with the easiest way to watch the Cleveland Guardians online.”

“We are excited to welcome Fubo into the Cleveland Guardians family of partners," said Ted Baugh, vice president, corporate partnerships and premium hospitality, Cleveland Guardians. "Fubo is a fantastic streaming option for our fans, allowing them access to local and national broadcasts."

NEW YORK — Major professional sports leagues and some broadcasters have announced the formation of the Coalition for Responsible Sports Betting Advertising, a voluntary association of sports leagues and media entities committed to ensuring that companies take a responsible approach to sports betting advertising.

Members of the Coalition, which include the NFL, MLB, MLS, NASCAR, NBA, WNBA, NHL, NBCUniversal, and Fox, also published six core principles for responsible sports betting advertising. 

"As the legalization of sports betting spreads nationwide, we feel it is critical to establish guardrails around how sports betting should be advertised to consumers across the United States. Each member of the coalition feels a responsibility to ensure sports betting advertising is not only targeted to an appropriate audience, but also that the message is thoughtfully crafted and carefully delivered," a joint statement from the Coalition for Responsible Sports Betting Advertising explained. 

The legalization of sports betting has provided broadcasters with a new source of advertising revenue. The American Gaming Association (AGA) estimated in February that sports betting gross game revenue hit a record $7.5 billion in 2022. 

BIA Advisory Services had predicted that the local ad spend for sports betting would hit $1.8 billion in 2022 and that by 2024 the local ad spend for sports betting would increase to $2.9 billion, according to Forbes. 

But the growth of the betting ads on TV has also raised worries about how the ads might increase gambling addiction.

In response, coalition has committed to implement and maintain consumer protection policies consistent with the following six principles:

• Sports betting should be marketed only to adults of legal betting age
• Sports betting advertising should not promote irresponsible or excessive gambling or degrade the consumer experience
• Sports betting advertisements should not be misleading
• Sports betting advertisements should be in good taste
• Publishers should have appropriate internal reviews of sports betting advertising
• Publishers should review consumer complaints pertaining to sports betting advertising

"We're proud to join these prominent sports industry stakeholders in this important effort," explained David Highhill, general manager, Sports Betting at the NFL. "Legalized sports betting offers fans another way to engage with their favorite sports, but just as we must support problem gambling prevention and resourcing, we must also remain mindful of how sports betting is presented and advertised to consumers, and this coalition should greatly aid in that cause."

Mike Mulvihill, executive vice president, head of strategy and analytics, FOX Sports added that, "Fox and Fox Sports are proud to be charter members of this broad and important coalition.  As America's leader in live sports, we are committed to providing fans a responsible and ethical engagement with sports betting, keeping the integrity of the games and our broadcasts at the forefront at all times."

Elaborating on its core principles, the group also outlined more specific guidelines for each of its six principles:  

• Sports Betting Should be Marketed Only to Adults of Legal Betting Age. The content of sports betting advertising, marketing and promotion should primarily appeal to individuals of legal betting age, and sports betting should never be endorsed or otherwise promoted by any person who is, or appears to be, below such legal age. Sports betting promotional materials should (i) only appear in media where a significant majority of the audience is reasonably expected to be of legal betting age and (ii) never primarily appeal to children in content or theme. 
• Sports Betting Advertising Should Not Promote Irresponsible or Excessive Gambling or Degrade the Consumer Experience. Sports betting advertisements should always contain a clear, prominent responsible gaming message, including information on responsible gambling resources, and never be directed to individuals known by the advertiser to be self-excluded. Gambling advertising, promotion and other integrations that encourage irresponsible gambling or degrade the consumer experience (e.g., by appearing excessively) should also be avoided. 
• Sports Betting Advertisements Should Not Be Misleading. Sports betting advertisements should never be false, deceptive or misleading. For example, sports betting advertisements and marketing should not promote unrealistic expectations of financial gain, or suggest that social, financial or personal success is guaranteed by engaging in sports betting. Nor should any such messaging state or imply that a bet is without risk if the customer must incur any loss, or risk the customer's own money, to use or withdraw winnings from such bet.
• Sports Betting Advertisements Should Be In Good Taste. Sports betting advertisements should (i) adhere to contemporary standards of good taste applicable to all commercial messaging, taking into consideration the applicable medium and advertising context and (ii) never undermine public perception of sports or their integrity.
• Publishers Should Have Appropriate Internal Reviews of Sports Betting Advertising. Publishers showing sports betting advertising should (i) provide appropriate training to their relevant employees regarding responsible sports betting advertising policies and (ii) implement internal processes to ensure compliance with such policies. To the extent possible, such processes should include a separate review of advertising and marketing materials by company employees outside the marketing and sponsorship departments.
• Publishers Should Review Consumer Complaints Pertaining to Sports Betting Advertising. Publishers showing sports betting advertising should develop and implement a process to review consumer complaints pertaining to that advertising.

The first question being asked in various circles about the 2023 Major League Baseball season is obvious: How will the new rules—the pitch clock, a limited number of pickoff throws and the end of defensive shifts—affect the approach of broadcasters, who will have an average of 30 less minutes of air to present per game? With the pitch clock, for instance, how will talent adjust to less time for analysis between pitches? And how does the quicker pace affect the approach with replays?

 Fortunately, MLB broadcasters and the other concerned parties like the MLB office (which tweaked the new rules in late March) had spring training to adapt to this new world, make mistakes and adjust in time for Opening Day.

Early in the 2023 pre-season, one MLB superstar weighed in on the new rules. “Really, the power the pitcher has now—I can totally dictate pace,” New York Mets right-hander Max Scherzer told Fox Sports. “The rule change of the hitter having only one timeout changes the complete dynamic of the hitter-and-pitcher dynamic. Yeah, I love it.”

Native 1080p
Although the new rules justifiably got the bulk of the pre-season press coverage, there are other new developments on the tech side, particularly for the MLB Network. 

“We plan to build out new technology that we’ve been working on for the past few seasons, such as transitioning our game coverage to native 1080p,” said Jason Hedgcock, senior director, remote technical operations for MLB Network.

But that’s not all. MLB Network, via its new Graphics Central group, can fully access its trucks from Secaucus, N.J. in real time. 

“That new graphics room can support four remote productions at once,” said Hedgcock, noting its four game benches with 6-8 seats per bench, as well as three graphics chairs, plus one each for Statcast, a researcher and a graphics producer, plus in-game, off-site umpire clarifications [à la the NFL], also with real-time connections to the mobile units.” 

However, the network’s biggest innovation for the 2023 season will hopefully debut during the stretch run and in time for the postseason. 

“The big deal this year is a [SMPTE] 2110 digital backbone,” said Jacob Soto, vice president, engineering and information technology for MLB Network. To enable this transition to the advanced video networking standard, the network is building a new Ross-based control room—with elements from EVS and Calrec—from the ground up. “We hope to have it online in August and ready for the post-season,” Soto added.

Super Motion
Fox is incorporating more super motion cameras in addition to the usual (up to) two, for each broadcast. “We’re boosting that number due to more games on the network,” said Brad Cheney vice president of field operations and engineering for Fox Sports, though he doesn’t yet know just how many or how often.

Fox also plans more in-game player interviews. “With this year’s rule changes, there will be more to talk about, such as pitching sequences or what went into completing a double-play,” etc., he said. 

As for those gamechanging new rules, “they’ll make MLB better to watch and will lead to us broadcasting more games in 1080p, with more super motion,” Cheney said, noting that Fox is working with MLB to find innovative angles, etc. “There’s much to be done, just not right off the bat.”

Entering the season, Fox “will stick to a minimum of nine cameras per game,” he said. “For FS1 broadcasts, we enhance the regional sports networks show.”

Another goal at Fox is to continue to leverage the trucks with its vendors, which include Game Creek Video, NEP and Mobile TV Group, which have all been upgrading their fleets to 1080p. “About half of their trucks have that capability now,” Cheney said. “As the NBC Sports RSNs move toward 1080p, that improves our offerings as they grow. And we’ll grow with them and aim to be the leaders in that technology.”

As for new techniques,  Fox has spent considerable time with cameras in the dirt and around the bases-especially since this season’s “pizza box” bases might offer more opportunity for enhancement, Cheney added.

“We’re looking for new angles, but that may take the whole season,” he said. “We have ideas in the pipeline with MLB, as do TBS, ESPN and Peacock, that we’ve used during the All-Star Game and postseason that we want to bring to the viewer.”

Cheney said Fox also wants to heighten its emphasis on sound. “We are continuing to develop new ways to bring the sounds of the game to our viewers, especially after how unbelievably loud it was in Philadelphia during last year’s World Series.”

‘The Dynamic Has Changed’
Back behind the lens, Phil Orlins, vice president of production for ESPN said “any camera decisions have to do with documenting the game,” which has to do with its magnitude and the financial implications.

Typically, the network will use the basic complement of 12 cameras, which “are mostly a combination of Sony HDC-4300s for super slo-mo and with HDC-2500s, with the remainder hard cameras with tripods and long lenses in the typical areas,” said Orlins, noting high and low third and first; the baselines; centerfield; a robotic at the home plate screen and a wireless roving handheld, with another for outside the ballpark and beauty shots.

“We can even use FaceTime in the feed, as we did during spring training when we featured [MLB pitching legend] Roger Clemens,” he said. “But we’re basically using the same equipment complement from last year, with new data wrinkles.”

As for the new rules, Orlins says the dynamic has changed. “For instance, we’ll now only have time for two replay angles; last season, it was four or five,” he said. “It’s going to be like football with hurry-up offenses, when were accustomed to a huddle before every play.”

However like some other observers who may seem leery of the changes, Orlins has “no doubt that the on-field product will be dramatically improved and that the broadcasters will adjust. Our ultimate plan is to incorporate the pitch clock into our scoreboard in the upper left hand corner of the screen.”

Hinting at more innovation to come, particularly in this seasons’ broadcasts from London and Williamsport, Pa., he said “There will still be ‘great stories to tell.’ They’ll just be presented “in a more condensed style for a fan base that had grown weary of waiting.” 

Apple and Major League Baseball (MLB) announced that “Friday Night Baseball,” a weekly doubleheader, will be available to all Apple TV+ subscribers on Fridays throughout the regular season starting on Friday April 7. 

Apple acquired the rights for the doubleheaders for an estimated $85 million and aired the first season of the games in 2022 for free. This year fans will need to pay $6.99 a month for Apple TV+ for two marquee matchups over 25 weeks with no local broadcast restrictions. 

“We can’t wait for ‘Friday Night Baseball’ to start up again, and we’re excited for fans to experience everything new we’re bringing this season,” said Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Services. “Apple TV+ truly has something for everyone, from two live baseball games every Friday night, to an incredible slate of award-winning original films and series — there’s never been a better time to sign up.”

“Friday Night Baseball” will begin the 2023 season on Friday, April 7, with the Texas Rangers at the Chicago Cubs for the inaugural “Friday Night Baseball” daytime game at Chicago’s Wrigley Field, and the San Diego Padres at the Atlanta Braves.

“Friday Night Baseball” will be produced by MLB Network’s production team in partnership with Apple. 

Each game will feature state-of-the-art cameras to present vivid live-action shots, and offer immersive sound in 5.1 with Spatial Audio enabled, the companies reported. 

“Friday Night Baseball” will again utilize drone cameras for beautiful aerial stadium shots, as well as player mics and field-level mics to immerse fans in the gameplay and stadium atmosphere. 

Fans in the U.S. and Canada will also have the option to listen to the audio of the home and away teams’ local radio broadcasts during “Friday Night Baseball” games.

In the U.S., the games will also be available in bars and restaurants via DirecTV for Business, which will deliver all the action to its network of more than 300,000 restaurants, bars, hotel lounges, retail shops, and other venues throughout the regular season on existing satellite equipment. 

LOS ANGELES—The Walt Disney Company has paid $900 million to buy out Major League Baseball's 15% stake in BAMTech, the streaming technology services operation that is used by Hulu, Disney+ and ESPN.

The deal for the MLB stake, which gives Disney 100% ownership, was revealed in a 10K filing with the SEC. That filing reported that in November 2022, the company purchased MLB’s 15% interest for $900 million.

MLB created the precursor to BAMTech in 2000 and Disney invested $1 billion in the company in 2016. It has since been increasing its ownership in the streaming technology services operation and now has 100% control. 

HOUSTON, Texas—When the Philadelphia Phillies face off against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park for the first game 1 of Major League Baseball’s World Series, Fox will be using more than 40 Sony cameras to cover the action. 

The cameras being used for the games include Sony’s HDC-5500, HDC-3500, HDC-4300, HDC-P31 and HDC-P50, Sony reported. 

Specific deployments include: 

• 9 x HDC-5500 – 4K Global shutter imager HDR/SDR camera systems will be used in the dugouts, first and third base, the left and right foul poles and tight center employing between 6x and 8x high frame rate.
• 2 x HDC-3500 – Global Wireless systems in wireless configuration will be used for locker room celebrations and around the stadium.
• 7 x HDC-P50 – Compact 4K HDR/SDR POV cameras will be used in a number of robotic applications including capturing home plate as well as being used on stabilization rigs in wireless configurations.
• 9 x HDC-P31 – Compact 1080/60P capable HDR/SDR POV cameras will be used in the clubhouses, by first and third base, in the bullpens, as a FLY cam, in the home talent booth and to provide beauty shots.
• 15 x HDC-4300 – 4K HDR/SDR camera systems with High Frame Rate capabilities will be employed for capturing the booth talent, and using up to 6x high frame rate to capture the action at first base, third base, right, left and center field and home plate, as well as in-studio.

BALTIMORE, M.D.—Sinclair launched its long-awaited direct-to-consumer Bally Sports+ streaming service on June 23 with a soft launch in five markets at $19.99 a month or $189.99 a year. 

The soft launches have occurred in five markets where subscribers can stream MLB games from the Kansas City Royals, Milwaukee Brewers, Miami Marlins, Detroit Tigers and Tampa Bay Rays.

The app is initially available on Android and Apple mobile devices and is expected to be available on Roku around the time of the All-Star Game. 

When the app makes a full launch later this year, Sinclair is expected to offer streams of at least 28 additional teams, 16 from the NBA and 12 from NHL. 

Apple knows. It read your messages on Twitter, saw the articles, and is probably even aware of the unkind things former Met First Baseman and longtime Mets announcer Keith Hernandez said about the Friday Night Baseball debut.

At least the evening had everything a baseball fan could hope for. In the first game (there are two per night for a total of 50 games this season), the Mets played the Washington Nationals and endured non-working stadium lights, a 9th inning rain delay, and a bench-clearing near brawl when Francisco Lindor was beaned by Nationals pitcher Steve Cishek.

That last moment should have been (and still mostly was) the story of that game but all people could talk about on social media was Apple TV+ and how it handled the game.

Apple announced the MLB partnership in March and, perhaps, set itself up with the first streamed game between two eagerly-watched teams with, at least in the Mets' case, intensely devoted fan bases. 

Fans, industry watchers, and other play-by-play pros tore into the Apple TV+ team hired to cover the game: Melanie Newman (play-by-play), Chris Young (analyst), Hannah Keyser (analyst), and Brooke Fletcher (reporter). Hernandez quipped during the next Mets game broadcast covered by him and Gary Cohen, that Mets fans had already had one horrible broadcast experience this season. Granted, this is the same slightly tech-phobic fellow who a week later recounted on air how he was almost taken in by a phone phishing scam. 

Comments that complained about how the play-by-play didn't seem to know how to emphasize the importance of the right plays and how they talked over some of them, and sometimes around topics unrelated to the game or baseball.

The thing is, though, this may all be part of the plan.

Will Apple's Changeup Work?
Apple is purposely not doing things exactly as they've been done for decades of game broadcasts. It's intentionally widening the diversity and perspective of the typical game announcers. It purposely pulled together teams that offer new faces demographics and fresh perspectives.

That can take some getting used to but Apple, which appears to have grander baseball plans than just this Friday night slot (though we're guessing here),  not only wants the traditional baseball fan to enjoy these games but is also hoping to build the audience beyond the endemic.

Perhaps that's why, despite the strong criticism, Apple is sticking with these game-calling teams. As it listens to and learns from the critical feedback, it will make adjustments but all the while Apple will still try to manage a difficult balance of satisfying the old (some of which had never tried out Apple TV) and welcoming the new. It knows it can't afford to alienate existing fans, but as a tech company, it can't help but innovate America's favorite pastime (by the way, Apple Friday Night Baseball is also streaming to Canada, Mexico, Australia, South Korea, and Japan - all hubs for baseball fanaticism).

The tech hurdles were real for those who have grown up watching games on broadcast TV where pressing a single number on a remote was enough to bring up the day's game. Apple TV and the original content platform TV+ was a new frontier for them and Apple didn't spend any time teaching longtime baseball fans how to access the game.

At least these Friday night games are free for now (no word on when that ends), and if you have an Apple ID you can log into TV+ through Apple TV or a variety of other third-party platforms to watch the games. And really, Mets fans had no choice because, aside from radio, there was no place else to watch that Nationals game (that broadcast blackout will carry through for all 50 Apple TV+ Friday baseball games).

Home Run Tech
Leaving aside the criticisms and tech frustration, there were some notable Apple touches. Yes, the company splashed its proprietary SF Pro font all over everything to give the proceedings a very Apple feel. 

The company also employed some high-end camera tricks like using the Megalodon camera rig that the NFL and golf games on CBS have been using to great effect. 

Megalodon, which is not a new camera but a collection of technologies (a Sony a7R IV camera mounted on a DJI Ronin-S gimbal, a 6-inch field monitor, and a backpack to carry external batteries and a 1080p wireless transmitter), creates a recognizable cinematic effect. Players, usually walking on or off the field, are in share focus while the rest the of scenery is out of focus. It's a cinematic effect that instantly raises the drama. One could wonder, though, why Apple isn't using its own iPhone 13 Pro, which also shoots Cinematic video. 

Apple is also employing a Phantom camera to shoot super-high-speed frame rate footage that can then slow down a slider to show what's really happening when the pitcher throws it, the ball bends down and in, and a player swings past it.

Plus, if you noticed that the overall game looked just a bit crisper, it could because Apple is broadcasting in 1080p 60fps. That's above what you'd get from a typical broadcast or cable game. Sadly, no one is delivering these games in 4K, yet.

It's early days in Apple's made scramble from home to first, as it attempts to promote the heck out of these games on Apple TV (the app), TV+, and even in Apple News. It might garner more eyeballs this way, but ultimately, it has to win over baseball fans. It failed to reach first this inning, but there are 50 more this season and, potentially, a long MLB partnership ahead of it to work out a run.

This article originally ran on TV Tech sister brand, TechRadar. 

NEW YORK—YouTube and Major League Baseball (MLB) have renewed their longstanding partnership for the MLB Game of the Week Live on YouTube for the 2022 season. 

During the 2022 season 15 games will be streamed live, for free, to fans around the world in 182 countries. 

This season’s MLB Game of the Week Live on YouTube premieres on May 5 at 3:10 pm ET, with the Washington Nationals facing off against the Colorado Rockies. 

The new agreement marks the fourth season of this live streaming deal between YouTube and MLB, and continues the decade-long relationship between the two companies. 

Since the start of the live games partnership in 2019, MLB content on YouTube has generated 5.4 billion views and 425 million watch hours, with half of the audience under 35-years-old, YouTube reported. 

“YouTube became Major League Baseball’s official partner to stream live games four years ago and it’s been incredible to continue to grow the game in compelling and innovative ways on our platform,” said Jon Cruz, head of sports partnerships, YouTube. “One of the biggest commonalities within our partnership is maintaining a ‘fan-first’ perspective, so we’re proud to continue to keep our games free and accessible to fans in over 182 countries around the word while delivering the best of baseball in ways only YouTube can do.”

MLB Network's production team will once again produce all 15 broadcasts this season, with play-by-play broadcaster Scott Braun and former MLB All-Star Yonder Alonso calling the games. Additionally, the MLB Game of the Week Live on YouTube Pregame Show will be hosted by MLB Network host and reporter Siera Santos and begins 30 minutes before each game’s scheduled start time and air live on YouTube.

Several only-on-YouTube features will also be part of the broadcast productions this season, including the return of the live chat featuring game commentary from MLB superfan YouTube creators. 

In-game polls that keep fans engaged and connected with the announcers throughout the game will also return. 

Fans watching on YouTube TV with a membership will also have the ability to re-watch key plays tied to the exact moment they are watching, and check out real-time stats from the game. 

“We value our continued partnership with YouTube and the opportunity to build on the experience the MLB Game of the Week on YouTube brings to fans,” said Dominick Balsamo, senior vice president, global media and business development at MLB. “YouTube’s creative approach to fan engagement lets viewers feel like they are a part of the broadcast, and we look forward to another season of bringing fans closer to the game through their unique presentation.”

Last year, YouTube TV launched MLB.TV as an add-on option, so members can stream all out-of-market Major League Baseball games on YouTube TV. 

The first half of the MLB Game of the Week Live on YouTube schedule will be:

• Washington Nationals at Colorado Rockies -- Thursday, May 5 @ 3:10 p.m. ET Milwaukee Brewers at Cincinnati Reds -- Wednesday, May 11 @ 12:35 p.m. ET
• Arizona Diamondbacks at Chicago Cubs -- Friday, May 20 @ 2:20 p.m. ET 
• Detroit Tigers at Minnesota Twins -- Wednesday, May 25 @ 1:10 p.m. ET 
• Kansas City Royals at Cleveland Guardians -- Wednesday, June 1 @ 1:10 p.m. ET
• Toronto Blue Jays at Kansas City Royals -- Wednesday, June 8 @ 2:10 p.m. ET
• Minnesota Twins at Seattle Mariners -- Wednesday, June 15 @ 4:10 p.m. ET

Apple today unveiled details about its Friday Night Baseball games, which debut on Apple TV+, April 8. 

“Friday Night Baseball” games and additional content, including new exclusive programs such as “Countdown to First Pitch” and “MLB Daily Recap,” begin today in the Apple TV app.

The broadcast team includes Melanie Newman (play-by-play), Chris Young (analyst), Hannah Keyser (analyst), and Brooke Fletcher (reporter) will call the New York Mets at the Washington Nationals at 7 p.m. ET; and Stephen Nelson (play-by-play), Hunter Pence (analyst), Katie Nolan (analyst), and Heidi Watney (reporter) comprise the crew that will call the Houston Astros at the Los Angeles Angels game at 9:30 p.m. ET. 

Game assignments for “Friday Night Baseball” broadcasters will be announced on a weekly basis. In her new role with “Friday Night Baseball,” Newman becomes the second woman to lead play-by-play duties for a national broadcast team; she joined the Baltimore Orioles’ broadcast team in 2020.

Apple has hired MLB Network’s production team to produce the games and Apple says the coverage ”will offer a modern and dynamic broadcast experience that appeals to new viewers and veteran fans alike.”

Each game broadcast will employ state-of-the-art cameras, including high-speed Phantoms, the high-resolution Megalodon, and more throughout the season to present vivid, live-action shots, and offer immersive sound in 5.1 with spatial audio enabled.

“Friday Night Baseball” will also incorporate new on-screen graphics that include new probabilities-based forecasts of different situational outcomes, plus highlights and live look-ins from around the league integrated right into the broadcast. Throughout the “Friday Night Baseball” broadcasts, fans will be able to listen to on-screen callouts about batters’ walk-up songs from Apple Music, test their knowledge of baseball trivia with help from Siri, and more. And, in a first for MLB games, “Friday Night Baseball” will feature rules analysis and interpretation from former MLB umpire Brian Gorman.

“Friday Night Baseball” live pre- and postgame coverage will be hosted by Lauren Gardner, along with a rotating group of analysts and former Major League Baseball (MLB) players, including Carlos Peña, Cliff Floyd, and Yonder Alonso.

In addition to two marquee games on Friday nights throughout the regular season, Apple TV+ will offer new 24/7 live programming with MLB game replays, news and analysis, highlights, classic games, and more. On Thursday, “Countdown to First Pitch” will preview the week’s upcoming games, and every morning, “MLB Daily Recap” will offer highlights from across the league, both available only on Apple TV+. The “MLB Big Inning” whip-around show will feature live look-ins and in-game highlights every weeknight. Additionally, fans will be able to watch full games, as well as condensed game replays, on demand on Apple TV+ after the completion of the live broadcasts each week.

“Friday Night Baseball” games will be available on any device that carries Apple TV+, including on the Apple TV app on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV 4K and HD, and on tv.apple.com, along with smart TVs, gaming consoles, and cable set-top boxes. “Friday Night Baseball” will be available on Apple TV+ in the United States, Canada, Australia, Brazil, Japan, Mexico, Puerto Rico, South Korea, and the United Kingdom, and for a limited time, without the need for a subscription. 

NEW YORK—Major League Baseball has announced that the Peacock streaming service will become the exclusive home to a new Major League Baseball game of the week on Sunday mornings. 

Beginning on May 8, Peacock will live stream an NBC Sports-produced baseball game for 18 consecutive weeks, with start times for the first six Sunday games at 11:30 a.m. ET and the following 12 Sunday games beginning at Noon ET. 

Each game will also feature NBC Sports-produced pregame and post-game shows on Peacock.

The deal highlights growing interest among streaming services in live sports, with Apple and Amazon recently acquiring rights to packages of baseball games.

“As consumption habits continue to evolve, it is important for us to provide new ways for fans who are outside the cable bundle to watch MLB games,” said Noah Garden, Major League Baseball chief revenue officer. “This agreement marks an exciting new chapter to the extensive history of innovation between MLB and NBC Sports in delivering exciting baseball action to our fans.”

“We are excited to announce this multi-year partnership with Major League Baseball, which will exclusively offer Peacock subscribers a premium property in a unique time slot for the sport, while continuing NBC Sports’ rich baseball history,” added Pete Bevacqua, chairman, NBC Sports.

The first game (Chicago White Sox vs. Boston Red Sox from Fenway Park on May 8 at 11:30 a.m. ET) will be simulcast on the NBC broadcast network, with the remaining 17 games available exclusively on Peacock’s premium service.

On each of the 18 Sundays that Peacock presents a game, it will be scheduled as the exclusive home of live MLB action until 1:30 p.m. ET that day, when the remainder of the day’s schedule will begin, the MLB said. 

Peacock will also feature classic MLB games, award-winning documentaries from the MLB Film & Video Archive, and highlight packages available on-demand in a new MLB hub.

CUPERTINO, Calif.—Apple and Major League Baseball (MLB) have inked a major rights deal giving Apple TV+ rights to stream “Friday Night Baseball,” a weekly doubleheader with live pre- and postgame shows that will be available to fans in eight countries exclusively on Apple TV+ as soon as the regular season begins.

The MLB and the players union are currently locked in a labor dispute that has delayed the start of the regular season and it isn’t clear how soon the two sides might come to a new agreement. 

When the season does begin, “Friday Night Baseball” will be available on Apple TV+ in the United States, Canada, Australia, Brazil, Japan, Mexico, Puerto Rico, South Korea, and the United Kingdom, and will expand to additional countries at a later date.

In addition to “Friday Night Baseball,” Apple TV+ will offer “MLB Big Inning,” a live show featuring highlights and look-ins airing every weeknight during the regular season. 

Baseball fans in the US and Canada will also have access to a new 24/7 livestream with MLB game replays, news and analysis, highlights, classic games, and more, as well as a full complement of on-demand programming, including highlights and MLB-themed original content, Apple said. 

The deal will allow fans to watch marquee games on Friday nights, free from local broadcast restrictions, on the Apple TV+ app on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV 4K and HD, and on tv.apple.com, along with select smart TVs, gaming consoles, and cable set-top boxes, Apple said. 

“Just like all baseball fans, we can’t wait for the season to open,” said Peter Stern, Apple’s vice president of Services. “Baseball has a special place in the heart of so many Apple customers — not just in the United States, but in many countries around the world. We’re proud to make Apple TV+ the home for great baseball moments throughout the season.”

“Apple is the ideal partner to bring ‘Friday Night Baseball’ to fans around the world,” said Noah Garden, MLB’s chief revenue officer. “Following milestones like the launch of At Bat on day one of the App Store in 2008 to the integration of Apple technology in ballparks across the country, this robust new game package is the perfect next collaboration in our long history of offering quality and innovative content to our fans. With national availability and international reach, MLB on Apple TV+ offers an exciting new platform to fans that allows a wider audience to connect with the game.”