MLB commissioner Rob Manfred announced that he is putting together a plan to finally get rid of blackouts by taking over the league local media rights.
Many fans have been frustrated over the last few years with MLB TV as they pay for a subscription but do not have access to the majority of the games because of their location.
Rob Manfred is looking to final get rid of blackouts as the MLB looks to take over the local TV right
Manfred wants the MLB to have full control of the leagues TV rights as he would like to put in place packages that would offer fans access to all games across the league no matter where they live.
Manfred has discussed the possibility of nationalizing MLB's media rights strategy frequently in recent years, especially amid Diamond's bankruptcy proceedings which presented the possibility that many of the league's teams could have rights that come available. Crucially for fans, «MLB's goal is for any offering to be free of local blackouts,» Drellich reports.
Unfortunately, fans will still have to deal with blackouts for a couple more years as this plan is only set to kick in once the last 6 teams deals with Diamond Sports Group expire in 2028.
.That's because the six franchises that have re-upped with the recently reorganized Diamond Sports Group all have local media rights deals that expire in 2028. Per a report by Evan Drellich in The Athletic, MLB is eyeing to have the majority of the league on board with a nationalized media rights strategy by that time. -The Athletic
This is a great idea by Manfred since this would not only make current fans happy but will also help the game grow and allow possible fans to watch some great games that might not be near them.
Hopefully this idea ends up going through as it would surely be great for fans to have access to all MLB games.