ESPN & MLB reach Multiplatform Rights Extension.
July 29, 2012
ESPN and Major League Baseball have reached an eight-year, multiplatform rights extension which will significantly enhance ESPN’s TV, digital, radio and International MLB rights. The agreement – effective 2014 through 2021 – was announced by MLB Commissioner Allan H. Selig and ESPN President John Skipper.
The agreement is highlighted by the addition of an annual Wild Card playoff game, the rights to hundreds of additional hours of MLB studio programming, 10 additional regular-season games, increased footage and highlights rights across platforms, increased ability to co-exist in local team markets and added content across digital platforms and WatchESPN. In addition, rights across ESPN Deportes, ESPN Radio, and ESPN International.
ESPN Deportes expanded MLB package includes:
– At least 21 Sunday night games per year
– At least 25 Monday and/or Wednesday night games per year
– Opening Night, Opening Day and holiday games (subject to MLB game overlaps) and State Farm Home Run Derby
– All remaining Sunday, Monday or Wednesday games on ESPN3 in Spanish
– “Postseason Impact” and Tiebreaker games on ESPN3 in Spanish
