MLB Could Soon Be Launching Its Own Blackout-Free Streaming Package

Local television blackouts could soon be a thing of the past for roughly half of Major League Baseball.

MLB commissioner Rob Manfred recently spoke to reporters at the end of an owner's meeting in Orlando, where he discussed the possibility of the league finally ending the much-hated blackouts. For around 14 teams, at least. 

"Realistically, my target to having a digital package I can take to market would be for the ’25 season," Manfred said according to The Athletic. Though Manfred didn't explain if the league would have a distribution partner, roll the games up into the existing MLB.tv service, or reveal which teams would likely be involved, it's still a welcome development. 

The impetus for this new digital service is the Diamond Sports bankruptcy, which affected teams using Bally Sports to broadcast games. But with Diamond's collapse, a few individual teams, such as the San Diego Padres, took over their own television rights. That opened the door for the league to finally work on eliminating one of its most hated traditions. And with Manfred's announcement, it seems as if MLB is seizing on the opportunity. 

Jul 9, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; MLB commissioner Rob Manfred speaks during the first round of the MLB Draft at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-USA TODAY Sports

Which Teams Will Finally Be Blackout Free?

While the announcement is a sign of progress, there are still some complications to work through. Namely, which teams would be able to include their broadcasts in the package, as well as the potential Amazon arrangement with Diamond Sports. Manfred spoke about the Amazon deal, praising the streaming service, while acknowledging that there's no guarantee that the investment comes to fruition.

"Hats off to Amazon," Manfred said. "I think they, for them, made a really interesting deal. They essentially have — from now, until the time that there is a plan that is approved (in court) that allows Diamond to exit bankruptcy — an option to try to figure out if they can acquire digital rights that would be enough to make a viable product. If they do that, I suspect they put the $100 million in. If they don’t, I suspect they don’t."

There's also the new joint sports streaming service that was recently announced by Warner Bros. Discovery, ESPN and FOX, which Manfred said he views as a "positive."

"I see that development as positive," he said. "I think it is another place that’s going to need to buy rights in order to make the platform go, and compelling, and I think it’s good to have another buyer. I think it’s particularly good for us — you think about it, it’s our three biggest partners, right? All positive."

While this is unquestionably a net benefit for baseball fans, even if it does inlude just 14 teams, the ultimate goal for the league is likely to include all 30 in one, blackout free package. There should be no barriers for baseball fans trying to watch their favorite team's games on whatever mobile device they want. As greater percentages of the public cancel their cable subscriptions, this type of product would retain key viewers and popularity. And MLB needs all the viewers and popularity it can get.