Episode 106: Rob Manfred is the Big Get and Sean McManus's big goodbye
Sep 27, 2023
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MLB commissioner Rob Manfred talks about the future of local media, blackouts, Apple, Peacock, ESPN, Yankees TV, sports gambling, different pitch clock, Orioles in Baltimore, and the A's in Oakland. Also discussed: retiring CBS Sports chairman Sean McManus and Taylor Swift.
Rob Manfred highlights the opportunities in the rapidly changing media landscape in sports and emphasizes the importance of finding a balance between traditional cable and digital platforms.
Manfred discusses the challenges and opportunities surrounding local rights and revenues in baseball, expressing confidence in the future revenue potential of digital partnerships.
Manfred addresses the issue of fragmentation in media rights, suggesting that partnerships with digital companies could be beneficial for scale and engagement while also maintaining the traditional cable bundle.
Deep dives
Baseball's Media Landscape
The commissioner of baseball, Rob Manfred, discusses the rapidly changing media landscape in sports, emphasizing the opportunities it presents. He highlights the importance of finding a balance between the traditional cable bundle and expanding content availability on digital platforms. Manfred also touches on the challenges posed by blackouts and expresses a commitment to providing fans with more options to watch games. He discusses the success of new rule changes in baseball, such as microphones on players, and shares his thoughts on the future of sports gambling and its impact on fan engagement.
Local Rights and Revenues
Manfred addresses the challenges and opportunities surrounding local rights and revenues in baseball. He mentions the recent agreements with the San Diego Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks to improve reach through digital platforms, while acknowledging the need to replicate revenue streams for smaller markets. Manfred emphasizes the importance of maintaining stable franchises and expresses confidence in the future revenue potential of digital partnerships and the evolving media landscape.
Robot Umpires and Rule Changes
The possibility of robot umpires is discussed, with Manfred clarifying that the goal is not to replace home plate umpires, but to utilize technology for greater accuracy and consistency in decisions. He mentions ongoing research and testing to ensure smooth implementation of any rule changes. Manfred also highlights the positive reception to the rule changes implemented in recent years, which have led to shorter game times, enhanced fan engagement, and increased athleticism in the game.
Fragmentation and Future Partnerships
Manfred acknowledges the issue of fragmentation in media rights and the challenge of balancing various digital platforms. He suggests that partnerships with digital companies could be beneficial for scale and engagement, while also maintaining the traditional cable bundle for those fans who prefer it. Manfred emphasizes a focus on expanding content availability and meeting the evolving preferences of fans, while also being cautious about over-gamification and maintaining a family-friendly product.
Franchise Stability and Orioles' Future
Manfred expresses confidence in the stability of baseball franchises, including the Baltimore Orioles, and dismisses the possibility of relocating the team. He highlights the historic significance of Camden Yards and the commitment to preserving it as he expects fruitful negotiations between the team's ownership and local officials. Manfred also addresses the ongoing negotiations regarding the relocation of the Oakland A's and stresses the importance of reaching a resolution in near future.
Overall Outlook and Conclusion
Manfred concludes by emphasizing the value of fan engagement and the importance of adapting to the changing media landscape. He reiterates the league's commitment to developing partnerships and exploring new opportunities while being mindful of maintaining a balance between tradition and innovation. Manfred expresses optimism about the future of baseball and its ability to continue delivering engaging content to fans.
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred joins Andrew Marchand and John Ourand on this week's show for a half hour interview. During the sit down, Manfred goes deep into the future of local media, blackouts, Apple, Peacock, ESPN, fragmentation, Yankees TV, what the future of sports gambling will look like, how a different pitch clock was considered for October, the future of the Orioles in Baltimore and the A's in Oakland.
Prior to the interview, Marchand and Ourand give their "Who's up and Who's down for the week" and delve deep into the legendary career of retiring CBS Sports chairman Sean McManus. Plus, there is Taylor Swift talk.
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