The Joe Pomp Show Why ESPN Ended Its 35-Year Relationship with Major League Baseball
8 snips
Feb 21, 2025 The talk dives into ESPN's surprising choice to cut ties with Major League Baseball three years early. The discussion reveals the reasons for the split and examines its financial ramifications. Listeners learn about MLB's need for a new broadcast partner and what the future media landscape might entail. The conversation also touches on significant local media rights deals and the evolving role of streaming in sports broadcasting. Overall, it provides insights into changes shaping the industry as we approach 2028.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
End of an Era
- ESPN opted out of its MLB deal three years early, marking the end of a 35-year partnership.
- This decision saves ESPN $1.65 billion but signifies a shift in sports broadcasting.
Conflicting Narratives
- ESPN stated the deal was no longer financially viable and will seek new ways to engage baseball fans.
- MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred criticized ESPN's shrinking viewership and minimal baseball coverage.
ESPN's Power Play
- ESPN's behavior towards the NHL after their 2005 split suggests a similar fate for MLB coverage.
- ESPN prioritizes major sports leagues and expects secondary leagues to pay for their marketing channel.