Deal for "Sunday Night Baseball" in the works, significant realignment expected
In a surprising turn of events, Major League Baseball (MLB) commissioner Rob Manfred has revealed that he is closing in on a deal for the broadcasting of MLB games. During his Sunday Night Baseball booth visit, Manfred discussed the potential for a new deal that pertains to the legacy TV contract.
The deal, if finalised, will be for a period of three years and is expected to cover the broadcasting rights of MLB games until the end of the 2028 season. According to Manfred, the negotiations for the last three years of the extension are expected to take place at the end of next month, although the specific location has not been disclosed in available sources.
In addition to the TV contract extension, Manfred also hinted at a significant change in the structure of MLB. He discussed the potential for a broad realignment, eliminating the American League (AL) and National League (NL) in favour of geographical clustering. This hypothetical realignment would coincide with the expansion of MLB to 32 franchises, making the league more balanced and competitive.
The realignment and expansion would likely occur after Manfred's term ends in January 2029. However, it's important to note that these changes are still in the discussion phase and are subject to approval by the MLB's owners and other stakeholders.
Another key aspect of the deal is the possibility of combining local and national rights into a new package after 2028. This could potentially streamline the broadcasting process and make it more appealing for broadcasters like ESPN, which is one of the parties involved in the negotiations.
In an interesting twist, ESPN is also considering licensing the out-of-market MLB.tv package. This would allow fans from across the globe to access live games, regardless of their geographical location.
The deal, if it materialises, will have significant implications for the future of MLB. It could make the postseason format more appealing for broadcasters like ESPN, save wear and tear on players, and usher in a new era of competitive balance and geographical clustering in the league.
Stay tuned for more updates as the negotiations progress. The new deal could be announced before the postseason begins, bringing a new chapter in the history of Major League Baseball.
