02/10/26 08:36:00
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02/10 08:34 CST MLB.TV on ESPN: What fans need to know about the new deal
MLB.TV on ESPN: What fans need to know about the new deal
By JOE REEDY
AP Sports Writer
Fans of Major League Baseball's streaming package of out-of-market games
learned Tuesday what ESPN's takeover means for them.
ESPN announced that MLB.TV will come at a slight discount for those who already
have ESPN's Unlimited plan, while those who don't will pay the same price as
previous seasons.
The MLB.TV price for ESPN Unlimited plan subscribers will be $134.99 for this
season, before renewing each season at the then-current price.
Those without an ESPN Unlimited plan can purchase MLB.TV for $149.99 --- the
same price as last season --- with a free month of ESPN Unlimited included.
There also is a $29.99 per month option for MLB.TV, with new subscribers also
eligible for a free month of ESPN Unlimited.
At the start of the season, MLB.TV subscribers in the U.S. will still be able
to watch out-of-market games, MLB Big Inning and MLB Network on both ESPN and
MLB digital platforms.
Those who subscribe to Spectrum, DirecTV, Fubo TV, Hulu Live TV and Verizon
Fios have access to ESPN Unlimited subscription as a part of their TV plan. The
rest, including cord-cutters, pay $29.25 per month for all of the ESPN networks.
The local in-market streaming products for the 14 teams whose games are
produced by MLB will be available on the MLB site and through the teams.
So far those teams are the Arizona Diamondbacks, Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland
Guardians, Colorado Rockies, Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Royals, Miami Marlins,
Milwaukee Brewers, Minnesota Twins, San Diego Padres, St. Louis Cardinals,
Seattle Mariners, Tampa Bay Rays and Washington Nationals.
The Athletics, Philadelphia Phillies and San Francisco Giants also offer
in-market streaming through MLB even though their games are through NBC Sports
Network.
While multiview, integrated stats, key plays and the home/away feed selections
will still be available, the home and away radio feeds will not be on ESPN this
season.
ESPN became the rights holder to MLB.TV as part of its new three-year agreement
with MLB. The agreement includes 30 exclusive games, primarily on weeknights
and in the summer months.
Baseball is the second league that has its out-of-market digital package
available in the U.S. on ESPN's platform. The NHL moved its package to ESPN in
2021.
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AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb
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