Major changes are coming to Major League Baseball's broadcasting setup as four teams are set to break away from Bally Sports for the upcoming 2025 season. The Cleveland Guardians, Milwaukee Brewers, and Minnesota Twins will have their local games produced and distributed directly by MLB, effectively marking the first time these teams will not be tied to Bally Sports, which has owned and operated regional sports networks across the country.
This shake-up follows the announcement from Diamond Sports Group, the parent company of Bally Sports, stating plans to shed contracts for 11 teams as it grapples with financial difficulties. The Guardians, Brewers, and Twins join this transition with hopes of enhancing the viewing experience and accessibility for their fans.
With MLB taking the reins, fans can anticipate increased availability and possibly more flexible streaming options. MLB's recent experiments with broadcasting saw success with teams like the Arizona Diamondbacks, Colorado Rockies, and San Diego Padres, who offered direct-to-consumer streaming services as well as traditional cable distribution. For example, the Padres provided packages priced at $19.99 monthly or $99.99 for the entire season, with no blackouts involved, making it easier for loyal fans to watch their teams.
Noah Garden, MLB's deputy commissioner of business and media, expressed enthusiasm for the changes. "With the media revolution underway, we are committed to serving our fans by allowing them to watch their favorite clubs and minimizing blackouts whenever possible. We believe this move will broaden the reach of our games. Guardians, Brewers, and Twins fans can expect the same quality production as seen with our previous broadcasts," he stated.
The move to direct streaming options means the Guardians' games will potentially reach 4.86 million households, a significant leap from the 1.45 million viewers they could reach via Bally Sports last season. Similarly, the Minnesota Twins are estimated to expand their reach to 4.40 million households, which is about 307% higher than the previous year's viewer numbers.
Meanwhile, the Texas Rangers have also announced they will no longer partner with Diamond Sports Group, signaling they too will be exploring new options for their broadcast future. This trend of teams reassessing their media contracts reflects the shifting dynamics of sports broadcasting amid challenges faced by traditional cable networks.
For the 2024 season, these broadcasting changes signify what could be just the beginning. MLB previously managed broadcasts for three teams, setting the groundwork for what is to follow. With the rising trend of cutting cords and the move toward digital, streaming options are likely to dominate sports media.
"This is just the start of how teams adapt to the new media climate," said one industry analyst. "Fans are prioritizing access and viewing flexibility, and teams are responding to those desires. Expect more teams to explore similar routes."
Diamond Sports Group's strategy shift arrives at a time when many sports networks are struggling to maintain their subscriber bases, and the announcement they would keep their contract with the Atlanta Braves suggests efforts to streamline their offerings.
These developments remind fans and analysts alike of the rapid evolution currently taking place within sports broadcasting. The excitement not only lies in the teams' new partnerships but also how such changes will shape the viewing experience. Will fans embrace these streaming options, or will complications arise? Only time will tell as the baseball season progresses and these new broadcasting methods are put to the test.
The future of baseball fandom is on the brink of transformation, and for many, this means more ways to engage with the game and their favorite teams. With major broadcast decisions being made every season, one thing is certain: MLB teams and their organizations are actively seeking to improve their connection with fans.
These changes may herald the dawn of direct team-to-fan communication via streaming—giving control back to the fans. It’s about time for baseball to step up to the plate and deliver what its fans want: accessibility, convenience, and quality viewing experiences. This coming season and beyond will be pivotal for how America’s pastime reinvents its relationship with viewers across the nation.
