ESPN and MLB mutually agree to end the TV deal after the '25 Season

45-70Ag

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6:38p, 2/20/25

AG

MLB and ESPN have "mutually agreed" to end their TV deal following the upcoming 2025 season, per @TheAthletic.

Commissioner Rob Manfred noted that he has “not been pleased with the minimal coverage that MLB has received on ESPN’s platforms." pic.twitter.com/1Xrbr9s8AJ
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) February 20, 2025

I really wish mlb would go back on nbc. Whoever picks up the slack can't be worse than espn was.

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9:42a, 2/21/25

This is to be celebrated

AgRyan04

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10:08a, 2/21/25

Maybe ESPN didn't prioritize baseball because viewership is bad because no one can watch any games on ESPN for regional teams.

I'd just like to live in Austin and not be blacked out to watch any team within a 10 hour drive, so whatever gets us any steps closer to fixing that I'm for.

Im not watching a lot of Mets vs Rays type match ups

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AustinAg2K

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10:54a, 2/21/25

ESPN may not have been helping, but the MLB blackout rules are the main reason viewership struggles. You essentially can't watch your local team, which what most people want to watch. Forty years ago, it wasn't a big deal because road games were usually broadcast over the air. People could usually see half the games. Now, tough, when everything is on the team's network, which is probably only carried by one provider, it makes it really difficult.

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AgRyan04

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3:21p, 2/21/25

on a related note, I downloaded the app that the Cubs radio streams from to listen to their spring training game this afternoon.....and I'm blacked out there.

It shouldn't be so hard to consume their product!

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Farmer1906

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3:42p, 2/21/25

AG

MLB's problem is fans are extremely regional.

The average Rockets, Mavs, Spurs fan will turn into Boston vs Miami postseason series. The average Texans & Cowgirls fan will tune in MNF regardless of the matchup. Most Astros and Rangers fans completely check out of Sunday Night Baseball Cubs v Mets.