San Francisco Giants ‘open to’ joining nationalized MLB package come 2028
Giants CEO Larry Baer suggests "most teams" are also open to the league's plan.
Giants CEO Larry Baer suggests "most teams" are also open to the league's plan.
The issue figures to be a major sticking point in the upcoming CBA negotiations.
"We need to be out of the business of blackouts."
"I'm glad it didn't in many ways. I have so many friends there still, and I miss those people, but the relationship was not good."
"They are heaven and they continue to be the best possible partner"
"We need more broadcast television where people can get at games. We'd like to be on broadcast TV more than once a week."
"They stepped up for the NBA. And to come back to us and say we want to cut you..."
MLB has quietly removed references to its Diversity Pipeline Program from its website, per Craig Calcaterra’s Cup of Coffee newsletter.
"If folks on that side are interested in re-engaging, we’re always going to listen"
"The explosion in popularity in Korea and Japan is going to create an opportunity to fundamentally change the way we sell our media rights."
"Unless I am mistaken the league has come out and said there’s going to be a work stoppage."
"The commissioner was respectful, gracious, and actively participated in productive discussions …"
"In no way at this point do I think... the ESPN-MLB relationship is truly finally done."
MLB has reportedly already set its sights on 2028.
"The source noted that ESPN had an opt-out clause in the contract and decided to exercise it on Thursday."
The league is making a bet that it can find a new partner for its third package that is ready to shell out significant money and commit to consistent coverage -- all on a short-term deal.
ESPN rightfully thinks it's paying too much for its package, while MLB needs that money and also knows the worldwide leader is one of its best potential partners to bundle team's local rights together in a future streaming package.
"Does it turn the game into kind of a video game and kind of gimmicky? Yeah, I think so."
"That changes the game so fundamentally."
"You're wasting my time … that's a crazy idea."
"You people all have to grow up."
MLB's rule changes have been a great success in recent years but is a "golden at-bat" rule one step too far in the name of entertainment?
"He knows my take, which is that at the very least, it needs to be an optional thing."
However, the league will face a number of hurdles along the way.