Because of a pre-season agreement with Apple TV+ to air some games on Fridays, the New York Yankees – Boston Red Sox game tonight will be under exclusive rights for Apple TV+ subscribers.
That wouldn’t be a problem most nights, but since YES Network, the Yankees’ broadcasting and entertainment system that airs most of the games on the season, won’t have it on their grid tonight, people could potentially miss out on a historic moment.
Yankees slugger Aaron Judge has 60 home runs: his next one will tie Roger Maris‘ 61 in 1961 for the most in franchise history over a single season.
Those 61 are also an American League record.
There is a pretty good chance number 61 comes tonight.
Not Everyone Knows How To Use A Streaming Service
Having such a meaningful game available only on a streaming service is less than ideal because not everyone knows how to use a streaming service.
The issue has been the talk of the day in New York.
It has been so controversial that even politicians are getting involved.
“Millions of New Yorkers paid their cable bills expecting to see live sports programming. Denying them the chance to watch Aaron Judge step up to the plate to make history tonight is wrong and unfair. I’m calling on @MLB and @Apple to open up tonight’s game to the @YESNetwork,” New York Attorney General Letitia James tweeted.
Millions of New Yorkers paid their cable bills expecting to see live sports programming. Denying them the chance to watch Aaron Judge step up to the plate to make history tonight is wrong and unfair.
I'm calling on @MLB and @Apple to open up tonight's game to the @YESNetwork.— NY AG James (@NewYorkStateAG) September 23, 2022
The YES Network tried to negotiate a trade with Apple TV+ to air tonight’s game, but the latter doesn’t want anything to do with the idea of not streaming the potentially historic moment.
It’s certainly a complex situation because it’s a signed agreement.
The next few hours will be crucial to know the future of the game and its broadcast.
NEXT: 1 Absurd Stat That Illustrates Aaron Judge's Dominance