• Loading stock data...
Friday, August 22, 2025
The biggest names in sports media. All in one room. Buy tickets now!

MLB Will Reportedly Stream Games for Free in Some Markets

  • MLB is preparing for Diamond Sports Group to cut off contracts with multiple teams.
  • The league could stream games for free in some local markets.
Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Mookie Betts is followed by a MLB television camera.
Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Major League Baseball has a short-term solution to a long-term problem.

The league will stream games of roughly six teams for free following the expected bankruptcy of Diamond Sports Group, which owns and operates the 19 Bally’s regional sports networks, according to the New York Post.

“If any of the RSNs are no longer able to produce local games, we will be in a position to step in to produce and distribute those games with linear and direct-to-consumer options,” MLB chief revenue officer Noah Garden told Front Office Sports last week.

MLB commissioner Rob Manfred has previously suggested that MLB could broadcast its games on its MLB Network channel to provide a linear option. The MLB.tv service would be used for streaming.

That would allow MLB to stream games in each local market, which it has been unable to do under local broadcast contracts with Diamond and others.

Shohei Ohtani

As Season Looms, How Will MLB Handle TV Uncertainty?

With MLB season nears, where will games be broadcast?
March 10, 2023

“If MLB takes over local distribution in any market, our goal would be to allow for both a linear option and a direct-to-consumer streaming service, which would remove the blackout in that market,” said Garden.

Diamond reportedly plans to use its coming bankruptcy filing to cut off its contracts with at least four teams to whom it pays more in rights fees than it makes in cable subscriptions and ad revenue: the Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Guardians, San Diego Padres, and Arizona Diamondbacks. 

Diamond would lose $20 million on its Padres contract this year.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Samuel Basallo

Orioles Give Catcher Record Extension Amid Adley Rutschman’s Stunning Fall

Samuel Basallo’s reported $67M deal would be a record for pre-arbitration catchers.

$2B A’s Vegas Stadium Hits Milestones, on Track for 2028

Construction progress and costs pick up in the Las Vegas project.
Mo Vaughn

How Michael Bloomberg Jumpstarted Mo Vaughn’s Business Career

The Red Sox legend had a sprawling housing empire before starting a podcast.
Jul 13, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred announces the pick for the Athletics pick during the MLB Draft at The Coca-Cola Roxy.

MLB Confident New Rights Will Exceed $550M ESPN Deal

MLB would redistribute rights forfeited by ESPN back in February.

Featured Today

Nov 23, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin looks at quarterback Drew Allar (15) during the first quarter against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Huntington Bank Stadium.

Private Equity Enters College Sports—Without the Equity

As college football starts, lending agreements have become PE’s best way in.
Sep 8, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants running back Eric Gray (20) returns a kickoff against the Minnesota Vikings during the first half at MetLife Stadium.
August 18, 2025

‘Fauxbacks’ Throw Back to a Retro Uniform That Never Existed

Many throwback jerseys are brand-new designs or “Franken-Unis.”
August 17, 2025

‘Labubu Gang’: The Creepy-Cute Dolls Sweeping Pro Sports

The creepy-cute doll is the hottest collectible—and fashion statement.
Middle Tennessee wide receiver Cam'ron Lacy (86) catches a pass and carries the ball during the season final home football game against New Mexico State on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024.
August 15, 2025

How Middle Tennessee State Added $668,000 to Its NIL Budget

The Blue Raiders are creating a new blueprint for cutting costs.

Fox Enters Streaming Wars With Leaner, Sports-Heavy Approach

A different strategy marks the arrival of the network’s streaming service.
August 20, 2025

Bundesliga Bets on YouTube Creators for Live U.K. Game Streams

Bundesliga is the top German soccer league.
HAPPY GILMORE 2. (L to R) Quin Stiller as Will Zalatoris Caddie, Will Zalatoris as Himself, Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio as Oscar Mejias and Adam Sandler as Happy Gilmore in Happy Gilmore2.
August 21, 2025

‘Happy Gilmore 2’ Becomes Netflix’s Most-Watched U.S. Movie Debut

The Adam Sandler, golf-themed movie sets more streaming records.
Sponsored

Building A Pro League From Scratch

Front Office Sports and Gainbridge® spotlight what it takes to build a professional women’s soccer league.
Jey Uso and Pat McAfee look at each other after Uso’s win Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, during the WWE Royal Rumble at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
August 20, 2025

WWE Will Leave Peacock for ESPN 6 Months Early

Peacock’s final show will be “Clash in Paris” on Aug. 31.
August 20, 2025

NFL Preseason Games Are Popping Up on YouTube’s Sunday Ticket

The $2 billion out-of-market package covers only the regular season.
August 20, 2025

Inside ESPN’s ‘Industry Shaping’ DTC Plan, What’s at Stake

Many bundle offers and opaque metrics mark the high-profile launch.
Kyle Busch talks with Nexstar Media Group, Wednesday February 14, 2024 during Daytona 500 Media Day at Daytona International Speedway
August 19, 2025

$6.2B Nexstar-Tegna Deal Could Create Local Sports Juggernaut

CW parent company Nexstar looks to acquire its rival in a major deal.