ESPN and MLB to Begin Talks
In an exciting development for baseball fans and sports broadcasting alike, ESPN and Major League Baseball (MLB) are gearing up to initiate contract extension discussions. According to a report from Puck News, these talks are set to commence ahead of ESPN’s opt-out option that comes into play after the 2025 season. The current agreement, which began in 2022, is slated to run through 2028, but ESPN is already looking to secure its future in the MLB broadcasting landscape.
ESPN has been a staple in MLB coverage since 1990, and its commitment to the sport remains strong. The network recently celebrated its most-watched Wild Card Series ever, along with its most successful season of Sunday Night Baseball since 2019. Despite these successes, previous reports suggested that ESPN might exercise its opt-out clause in 2025, prompting the urgency for these upcoming negotiations.
One of the key points of interest in the discussions is ESPN’s desire for local streaming rights for its flagship service. This move could significantly enhance the network’s offerings, especially in light of Diamond Sports’ recent announcement that it plans to drop 11 of its 12 local MLB contracts. While this creates an opportunity for ESPN, it’s important to note that not every team will be available for local rights, as major franchises like the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers are already bound by lucrative long-term agreements with local regional sports networks (RSNs).
Bally Sports RSNs Nearing FanDuel Rebrand
In another significant shift within the sports broadcasting realm, Diamond Sports Group is reportedly nearing a deal with FanDuel to rebrand its 17 Bally Sports regional sports networks. This potential partnership, as detailed by Front Office Sports, would see FanDuel acquiring an equity stake in Diamond, a strategic move aimed at boosting subscriber numbers as the company navigates its way out of bankruptcy.
The rebranding to FanDuel is expected to usher in an increase in sports betting-related content across the networks, particularly during MLB, NBA, and NHL games. FanDuel currently operates its own cable network, FanDuel TV, which features sports betting programs and horse racing content, along with a FAST channel, FanDuel TV Extra, that offers similar programming.
The Bally Sports networks have a storied history, originally emerging from the Fox Sports Networks, which were acquired by Disney in 2019. Following regulatory intervention, these networks were divested to Diamond Sports Group, which rebranded them in March 2021 under a ten-year agreement with Bally’s Corporation, known for its casinos and online betting operations. However, the future remains uncertain, as court filings indicate that if Diamond does not emerge from bankruptcy by December 16, contracts with MLB and NHL teams could be nullified after the 2024-25 season, although Diamond sources maintain that this outcome is unlikely.
Ferraro Set for Opening Night Double-Duty
As the NHL season kicks off, ESPN NHL analyst Ray Ferraro is set for a busy opening night. Ferraro will be calling two games as part of ESPN’s tripleheader on Tuesday night. He will first team up with Mike Monaco to cover the matchup between the St. Louis Blues and the Seattle Kraken at 4:30 PM ET. After that, he will make his way to Salt Lake City to commentate on the debut of the Utah Hockey Club against the Chicago Blackhawks at 10 PM, alongside Bob Wischusen.
ESPN is pulling out all the stops for the opening night festivities, providing on-site studio coverage from Salt Lake City starting at 4 PM. The studio team, featuring Steve Levy, Mark Messier, and P.K. Subban, will keep fans engaged throughout the evening. The night will culminate with the defending Stanley Cup Champion Florida Panthers hosting the Boston Bruins, with Sean McDonough and Ryan Callahan on the call at 7 PM.
As the sports broadcasting landscape continues to evolve, these developments with ESPN, MLB, and Bally Sports signal a dynamic future for fans and networks alike. The intertwining of sports, media, and betting is reshaping how audiences engage with their favorite games, making for an exciting time in the world of sports entertainment.