Are Big Changes Coming to MLB Streaming?

Major League Baseball (MLB) is reportedly eyeing a monumental shift in how fans access games through its streaming platform, MLB.TV. According to Andrew Marchand from The Athletic, talks are underway with broadcasters and streaming services about potentially licensing MLB.TV in a move that could reshape the league's streaming landscape.

The Shift from RSNs to Direct-to-Consumer Streaming

As the MLB navigates its media strategy, the transition from regional sports networks (RSNs) to direct-to-consumer streaming is pivotal. RSNs have historically been a cornerstone of MLB's revenue model, but their dominance is waning, especially as cable subscriptions decline. With many fans cutting the cord, the pressure is on for the league to adapt.

Main Street Sports, previously known as Diamond Sports Group, faced bankruptcy for almost two years but has since reemerged with a slimmer roster of MLB teams. As we approach 2025, five teams, including the Guardians and Diamondbacks, are operating without RSN partnerships, relying on MLB for broadcasting and streaming.

Future Contracts and Broadcasting Deals in Flux

Even teams still tethered to RSN contracts are feeling the pressure, as these agreements are not set to run beyond 2028. Major national contracts with Fox and Turner are also nearing expiration, adding to the uncertainty. Meanwhile, ESPN's relationship with MLB has soured, leading to an opt-out from existing agreements, though they’ll still air games until the 2025 season.

MLB.TV: A Longstanding Fan Favorite Faces New Challenges

MLB.TV has thrilled baseball enthusiasts for years by allowing them to stream games for a flat fee, though blackouts and exclusive deals have complicated access. However, there’s a fervent hope from Commissioner Rob Manfred that the league can finally eradicate blackout rules as part of any potential new MLB.TV arrangements.

The challenge lies in the fact that many franchises still heavily profit from their RSNs, making it unlikely they would agree to a revenue-sharing model that includes lesser-known teams.

A Multitude of Options on the Table

The MLB is clearly casting a wide net, inviting a sea of potential buyers to the table. Recent reports have indicated interest from giants like Apple, Amazon, Disney/ESPN, and Netflix, all of whom were present at the World Series. This signals that MLB is looking for diverse partnerships to enhance their viewing options.

What’s Next for MLB and MLB.TV?

While the final structure of any future deal involving MLB.TV remains uncertain, it's plausible that a licensing agreement could allow major streaming platforms to integrate it with their existing services. For instance, Apple could combine MLB.TV with its Friday Night Baseball offerings, enticing fans with an all-in-one sports streaming solution. More details are likely to unfold as negotiations progress.

With these potential shifts on the horizon, baseball fans are in for a thrilling ride as they await the next chapter in how they watch the game.