Part 6/11:
Another major point of contention involves television rights, a vital revenue source for MLB. The landscape of regional sports networks (RSNs) has become increasingly unstable, with about a third of teams losing or significantly reducing their broadcasting deals in recent years, often resulting in substantial financial losses—sometimes in the mid-eight figures.
MLB’s strategy involves consolidating all league rights under one umbrella, allowing the league to bundle and sell rights more effectively, including streaming options. This model promises greater global reach and revenue potential but faces resistance from traditional broadcasters like the Yankees, Dodgers, and Mets, who already enjoy lucrative individual deals.