New York, NY – Major League Baseball is in talks about potentially licensing their streaming service MLB.TV, as reported by Andrew Marchand of The Athletic. The league is exploring this possibility in discussions with broadcasters and streaming platforms, although the exact impact on current MLB.TV subscribers remains uncertain.
The league’s media strategy is undergoing significant shifts, with much of the focus on transitioning from regional sports networks (RSNs) to direct-to-consumer streaming options. RSNs have traditionally been a key component of the league’s revenue streams, but changing consumer habits, such as cord-cutting and a move towards streaming, have forced MLB and its teams to adapt.
Main Street Sports, formerly known as Diamond Sports Group, recently emerged from bankruptcy with a reduced portfolio of MLB club contracts. Going into 2025, five teams – the Guardians, Twins, Padres, Diamondbacks, and Rockies – currently have no RSN deals, with MLB handling their broadcasts and streaming.
Despite some clubs still having agreements with Main Street, none of these contracts extend beyond 2028. This includes MLB’s national deals with Fox and Turner, set to expire in 2028, as well as the recently disintegrated deal with ESPN, which runs until 2025.
In addition to TV broadcasts, most clubs offer their own direct-to-consumer streaming options. However, there are only three clubs – the Astros, Nationals, and Orioles – that currently do not have a streaming product available.
MLB.TV has a long history of providing baseball fans with access to all games for a single fee, with a few exceptions for games offered exclusively on other platforms or due to local blackout restrictions. The league, under commissioner Rob Manfred’s leadership, aims to move away from blackout restrictions, potentially through a larger package offer that may include MLB.TV.
The league is actively engaging with various potential buyers and has been in talks with a wide range of companies, as reported by Evan Drellich. This includes representatives from tech giants like Apple, Amazon, and Roku, as well as traditional media companies like CBS and NBC.
As MLB explores new opportunities in the changing media landscape, the future of MLB.TV and its potential role in a larger broadcasting package remains unclear. However, the league’s willingness to consider licensing MLB.TV alongside other valuable rights signals a potentially transformative shift in how fans access and enjoy baseball games in the future.