Baseball's Backup Plan: Keeping the Games on Air

Major League Baseball (MLB) is prepared to take over local broadcasts for several teams as the FanDuel Sports Network, operated by Main Street Sports Group, faces financial difficulties.

Background

• Missed Payments: The network missed a payment to the St. Louis Cardinals last December.
• Teams Affected: Broadcasts games for the Atlanta Braves, Cincinnati Reds, Miami Marlins, and others.

MLB's Involvement

• Commissioner Rob Manfred assured fans that games will remain available.
• Previous Takeovers: MLB took over broadcasts for the San Diego Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks in 2023. Later added the Colorado Rockies and Cleveland Guardians.

Financial Considerations

• Local Broadcasts Revenue: Contributes over 20% of the industry's revenue.
• 2024 Support: MLB and the players' association helped teams with dropped local media revenue.
• 2025 Support: No similar deal has been made for 2025.

Team Options

• Teams can choose to switch to MLB's broadcasts if they believe it's the best option.

Community Initiative

• Foster Love Initiative: Aims to secure 250,000 volunteer hours for the 250th anniversary of the United States.
• MLB Staff Efforts: Assembled duffel bags with goods for foster care children at a recent news conference.