Commissioner Rob Manfred has a bold vision for Major League Baseball's future, aiming to consolidate all 30 teams’ local TV rights by the end of the 2028 season. The idea is simple: bundle these rights with national ones to attract higher bids. As the clock ticks towards the expiration of current national TV deals, Manfred is keen to bring as many local rights in-house as possible.
However, not all teams are on board. The Chicago Cubs, for instance, value their independence.
Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts made it clear at their Arizona camp: “We love our independence.” This sentiment is likely shared by other big-market teams like the Dodgers, Yankees, Mets, and Red Sox, who profit significantly from their own regional sports networks (RSNs).
The road to Manfred’s vision isn’t straightforward. MLB’s constitution requires a majority owner vote for any league action on video media rights and a hefty three-quarters vote for changes affecting revenue sharing. This means 23 of the 30 owners would need to agree, and with several teams potentially opposed, achieving this consensus could be challenging.
Currently, MLB handles production and distribution for 14 teams, a situation born from the collapse of Main Street Sports Group. The Angels might soon join this group as they navigate their broadcast future.
Why is Manfred pushing for this change? It’s about leveling the financial playing field.
National game revenues are shared equally among teams, while local TV money is more selectively distributed. Manfred believes that if national deals bring in substantial new revenue, even big-market teams might support the plan.
A salary cap, often a contentious topic, could also play a role in these negotiations, though it would require careful balance with player revenue shares.
For fans, the implications are significant. Manfred aims to eliminate blackouts and make games more accessible.
But if MLB ends up selling multiple national packages, fans might face the burden of subscribing to several services to catch all the action. Last season, Cubs fans needed access to Fox-TV, ESPN, Apple TV, and Roku for their team’s national games.
This year, NBC joins the lineup, with exclusive games on Peacock, adding another layer to the viewing puzzle.
In essence, while Manfred’s vision could streamline and potentially enhance MLB’s financial landscape, it also raises questions about accessibility and the viewing experience for fans. As the league navigates these waters, the balance between financial strategy and fan engagement remains crucial.