MLB games not broadcast exclusively by its national media partners are often televised by each team’s regional sports networks.
Bally Sports, managed by Diamond Sports Group, is the regional network of the San Diego Padres.
Or, shall we say, was.
“MLB made the announcement official late last night: starting today, MLB will take over production and distribution of Padres games from Bally Sports. League press release said it will increase reach of broadcasts by 2 million homes in Padres territory. Same broadcasters,” MLB insider Chelsea Janes tweeted.
MLB made the announcement official late last night: starting today, MLB will take over production and distribution of Padres games from Bally Sports. League press release said it will increase reach of broadcasts by 2 million homes in Padres territory. Same broadcasters. More: pic.twitter.com/9UxZGfacae
— Chelsea Janes (@chelsea_janes) May 31, 2023
The league will retain San Diego’s broadcast team.
That means Don Orsillo, Mark Grant, and Bob Scanlan will retain their roles.
There will be a few other traits for fans, too.
For example, they will offer in-market streaming with no blackouts.
Broadcasts will also reach more fans, as the league statement notes.
Bally Sports failed to make a scheduled payment that needed to be processed by Tuesday.
The new arrangement will start on Wednesday, with the Padres’ game against the Miami Marlins.
According to the New York Times, fans will be able to enjoy games for free until Sunday at MLB.com and Padres.com.
After that point, the service will cost $19.99 per month (with the opportunity to make one yearly payment, too).
The league is taking another step on their quest to have more control over game broadcasts and they way they are presented to fans; and took advantage of the “opportunity” presented to them.
NEXT: MLB Insider Reveals Broadcast Plan For Padres Games
