MLB Takes Control of Broadcasts for Six More Teams
In a significant development for Major League Baseball (MLB), the league will gain control of the broadcasts for six additional teams starting in 2026. The teams involved are the Milwaukee Brewers, Miami Marlins, Tampa Bay Rays, Kansas City Royals, St. Louis Cardinals, and Cincinnati Reds. This transition affects part of the nine franchises that recently terminated their agreements with Main Street Sports.
Background on Broadcast Changes
This shift comes as MLB addresses ongoing challenges in regional sports broadcasting. The RSN model, struggling in the face of cord cutting and streaming, has faced severe strain. Main Street Sports, which operated under the Bally Sports brand, has been in financial difficulty, leading to bankruptcy proceedings in 2023 and 2024. After emerging from bankruptcy, the company rebranded itself but continued to face payment issues with several teams, prompting the terminations.
Teams Transitioning to MLB Control
- Milwaukee Brewers
- Miami Marlins
- Tampa Bay Rays
- Kansas City Royals
- St. Louis Cardinals
- Cincinnati Reds
These six teams represent a significant portion of franchises dissatisfied with their previous broadcasting arrangements. Three other clubs—the Atlanta Braves, Detroit Tigers, and Los Angeles Angels—are still in the process of finalizing their broadcast strategies.
Impact on Teams and Fans
When MLB took over broadcasts for other teams like the San Diego Padres and Minnesota Twins in prior years, they retained much of the existing broadcast structure, minimizing disruptions for fans. The new setup also offered streaming options without local blackouts, benefiting viewers without cable subscriptions. However, this new model has reportedly resulted in lower financial returns for teams compared to traditional RSN arrangements. Estimates suggest that teams are receiving about 50% less revenue.
This financial impact can restrict a franchise’s ability to invest in player payroll. For example, the Padres saw a decline in spending, which influenced significant trades, including those of players like Juan Soto and Carlos Correa.
Upcoming Changes in Broadcasting
To further complicate matters, ESPN secured local broadcasting rights for five teams recently. Additionally, the Seattle Mariners are transitioning to the MLB model, which, if implemented correctly, could result in the league managing broadcasts for over half of MLB teams. This aligns with Commissioner Rob Manfred’s vision for a streamlined streaming service similar to MLB.TV, which would bypass local blackouts.
Future Prospects for MLB Broadcasting
Looking ahead, MLB’s strategy includes negotiating broadcast rights that expire after 2028. The league is keen on maintaining flexibility to allow for new partnerships, potentially selling combined rights packages.
Collective Bargaining and Potential Implications
The upcoming collective bargaining agreement negotiations, which conclude on December 1, 2023, need careful handling to avoid any disruptions to the game. Any missed games could impact fan engagement and revenue prospects.
As the teams refine their broadcast options, updates will be shared, particularly regarding pricing and streaming capabilities. The Cardinals have already announced their streaming service charges at $19.99 monthly or $99.99 for a full season. Meanwhile, other teams like the Marlins are finalizing their broadcast plans, essential for their operational clarity going into the 2026 season.
With these shifts on the horizon, fans and teams alike are poised for significant changes in how they engage with the game, marking a new chapter in MLB broadcasting.
