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In the midst of tremendous uncertainty around local broadcasts at the Major League level, MLB has reportedly struck a deal to stream all minor league games for free.
All available broadcasts for the 120 minor league teams will be available on the Bally Live app, according to the New York Post.
There will be no blackouts for local teams — unlike with MLB.TV, which only provides video for out-of-market games.
Bally’s, a casino operator and owner of the sports betting app Bally Bet, will not allow gambling on minor league games but will provide free games related to the broadcasts. Fans will also be able to bet on other events through Bally’s, including MLB games.
Diamond in a Rough Spot
Though it owns the naming rights to the 19 Diamond Sports Group regional sports networks, Bally’s doesn’t produce or broadcast games on those channels. Diamond filed for bankruptcy last week but said it will continue to operate its networks and broadcast games.
The Texas Rangers notified Diamond that they may sever ties with the broadcaster and seek other means of broadcasting their games. MLB would prefer to eliminate streaming blackouts in any new contracts for local rights.
Other teams may choose to follow suit. MLB has said it will produce games and broadcast them on its MLB Network if Diamond is unable to honor its contracts.
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