ESPN and MLB End 40-Year Partnership

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• ESPN and MLB end nearly 40-year partnership
• Split due to rising sports rights costs and coverage concerns
• Opt-out clause in 2025 allowed for termination
• MLB disappointed with coverage and smaller exclusive deals
• Disney's focus on NFL and NBA rights influenced decision

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MLB and ESPN Negotiations for Future Broadcasting Rights

• MLB has been in discussions with multiple parties regarding broadcasting rights, aiming to have at least two potential options for consideration in the coming weeks.
• ESPN will retain key broadcasting rights such as "Sunday Night Baseball" and wild-card postseason games until the end of the 2025 season.
• ESPN has proposed new national and regional programming ideas to MLB as part of their ongoing negotiations.

Source

Fox News

Impact of Declining Subscribers on ESPN's Decision

• MLB's exclusive deals with other platforms differ significantly from deals with ESPN, as ESPN holds exclusive rights to key events like Sunday Night Baseball and the Home Run Derby.
• MLB expressed concern over ESPN's declining subscriber numbers, indicating a shift away from traditional Pay TV distribution platforms.
• MLB felt that ESPN provided minimal coverage of MLB beyond live game broadcasts, leading to dissatisfaction with the overall exposure of the league on ESPN platforms.

Source

Variety

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