Major League Baseball has reached agreements with FOX Sports and Turner Broadcasting System through 2013, granting the exclusive national television rights for the World Series and All-Star Game to FOX and recasting MLB coverage on TBS to a broader, league-wide focus.
The rights deal with FOX Sports grants the network rights to up to 26 regionalized Saturday baseball games of the week; the American League Championship Series in 2007, 2009, 2011 and 2013; and the National League Championship Series in 2008, 2010 and 2012.
The deal with Turner Broadcasting grants the network the rights to air MLB Division Series Playoff games exclusively beginning next year — a first for a cable network. Under the accord, TBS also will carry 26 regular-season Sunday afternoon games beginning in 2008. The deal dissolves TBS’ current MLB agreement to carry regular-season Atlanta Braves games nationally. In 2007, TBS will air 70 Braves games nationally; in 2008 through 2013, it will carry 45 Braves’ games locally every year. The package also grants Turner the rights to the MLB All-Star Game Selection Show from 2007-2013.
