Direct-to-Consumer Streaming Announced
NEW YORK (AP) — Fans of the Oakland Athletics, San Francisco Giants, and Philadelphia Phillies will now have a new way to enjoy their favorite teams this season, thanks to a recent agreement between Major League Baseball (MLB) and NBC Sports Regional Networks. This move allows fans to stream games directly through MLB.tv, eliminating the need for traditional cable or satellite subscriptions.
For those located in the teams’ home markets, a new streaming package is being offered that permits viewers to purchase access to games live and on demand, without any blackout restrictions. The deal also includes live pre-game and post-game shows, enhancing the overall viewing experience.
The package for the A’s and Giants comes at a monthly price of $19.99, while the Phillies’ package is slightly higher at $24.99. Fans can also bundle these packages with out-of-market games, with the A’s and Giants package costing $39.99 and the Phillies package at $44.99 per month.
This announcement follows MLB’s earlier deal with Spectrum SportsNet LA, which provides Southern Californian viewers with a similar direct-to-consumer option for Los Angeles Dodgers games. Noah Garden, MLB’s deputy commissioner for business and media, stated, ‘We have been hard at work with our clubs and RSNs to address one of the top issues that baseball fans have had for years, which has been blackouts.’ He added, ‘This marks an important step in that effort as we now have nearly 90% of the league with a DTC streaming option available in their market.’
Implications for Fans and Future of Streaming
As the baseball season approaches, the direct-to-consumer model is likely to reshape how fans engage with the sport. Currently, all but four of MLB’s 30 clubs will have an in-market streaming option available, underscoring a significant shift in how teams deliver their content to fans.
This innovative approach presents an exciting opportunity for baseball enthusiasts, broadening access to live games and creating a more personalized viewing experience. Fans are encouraged to explore these new options as the season unfolds, promising to bring them closer to the action than ever before.
