John Ourand, a sports business journalist renowned for his insights on media rights, joins Dylan Byers to explore MLB's broadcasting future. They dissect the financial battle between traditional networks and streaming giants. An intriguing discussion unfolds about why a Yankees-Dodgers World Series tops Fox's wish list. Additionally, they delve into how these evolving media rights are reshaping fan access and overall viewership experience, raising important questions about the future of baseball in a digital age.
ESPN is frustrated by MLB's lower streaming deals despite their hefty financial investment, indicating shifting dynamics in media rights negotiations.
Baseball fans face fragmented viewing experiences with multiple subscriptions needed, highlighting a growing demand for a streamlined access solution.
Deep dives
ESPN's Frustration with MLB's Streaming Deals
ESPN is perplexed by Major League Baseball's decision to accept significantly lower deals from streaming platforms like Apple and Roku while they pay a hefty $550 million annually for exclusive Sunday Night Baseball access. The frustration arises from the comparative value of these contracts, with ESPN feeling they are over-investing for diminishing returns as Sunday Night Baseball struggles to attract viewers, averaging less than 2 million recently. Additionally, the trend of MLB testing these streaming partnerships creates a perception that ESPN’s substantial financial commitment could be undermined, leading to feelings of being undervalued as a broadcast partner. The situation raises important questions about the future of media rights in baseball and how ESPN will respond amidst growing competition from streamers offering more affordable options for exclusive games.
Challenges of Watching Baseball in the Streaming Era
For fans, the current landscape of how to watch baseball has become increasingly fragmented, requiring multiple subscriptions to access regional and national games. This complexity can be daunting, as fans of teams like the Yankees must navigate various services including cable providers, streaming platforms like Amazon and Apple, and specialized networks to watch all their games. Many long-time fans express frustration over this situation, which contrasts sharply with the simplicity of traditional viewing where one network would air most games. As regional sports networks face challenges and various blackouts persist, consumers are eager for a streamlined solution that allows for easy access to their favorite teams.
Future Trends in MLB Media Rights
The ongoing discussions about MLB media rights suggest a pivotal shift is on the horizon, as both baseball and its media partners recognize the inefficiencies of the current system. With regional sports networks struggling financially, there is an emerging opportunity for baseball to reclaim streaming rights and possibly offer more comprehensive packages through fewer services in the future. There is a notion that significant players like ESPN, Amazon, and Google may be interested in consolidating rights to deliver a more consumer-friendly experience. While no concrete plans are in place yet, the industry is poised for potential changes that could lead to a more cohesive viewing model for baseball fans.
John Ourand joins Dylan Byers for a rollicking discussion about the future of MLB’s media rights and the role of ESPN in the sports streaming landscape. They also explain why a potential Yankees-Dodgers World Series is at the top of Fox’s wish list (yes, even more so than a Yankees-Mets Subway Series…).
