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2mo ago

MLB Ends 35-Year Partnership With ESPN Over Rights Fee Dispute

The league rejects a steep pay cut from ESPN and explores new broadcast and streaming partners for its games.

Oct 23, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Stephen A. Smith (Stephen Smith) on the ESPN NBA Countdown live set at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Overview

  • ESPN proposed reducing its annual payment to MLB from $550 million to $200 million, prompting the league to end the partnership after 35 years.
  • MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred criticized ESPN for undervaluing baseball while paying $2.6 billion annually for NBA rights, despite MLB's strong local ratings.
  • The league is now in discussions with potential new partners, including NBC, Amazon, and Netflix, to secure a deal that matches or exceeds its previous agreement.
  • ESPN's declining coverage of baseball and shifting focus to the NBA were factors in the breakdown of negotiations, according to reports.
  • MLB aims to leverage its strong regional popularity and explore blackout-free streaming options to attract fans and enhance viewership.