MLB Takes Over Broadcasts for Local Teams amid Diamond Sports Group Bankruptcy

Major League Baseball (MLB) has announced that it will assume the production and distribution of local games for several teams in the upcoming season. This decision comes as the Cleveland Guardians, Milwaukee Brewers, and Minnesota Twins plan to detach from their current association with the bankrupt Diamond Sports Group. The move marks a significant shift as MLB strengthens its local media operations.

Diamond Sports Group, which is currently undergoing Chapter 11 reorganization, has been managing the broadcasting rights for these teams. However, the organization is in the process of restructuring and has submitted a plan to shed several of its sports broadcasting agreements, retaining only the rights to the Atlanta Braves while seeking new terms with others.

In a related development, the Texas Rangers will also explore different local media options for 2025, though they remain part of Diamond’s network for the time being. Previously, the Arizona Diamondbacks and San Diego Padres had severed ties with Diamond last year, while the Colorado Rockies parted ways with Warner Bros. Discovery after the conglomerate closed various regional sports networks by the end of 2023.

The MLB response includes negotiating cable and satellite distribution agreements, offering local streaming services through MLB.tv. This strategy is expected to boost the outreach of the Guardians and Twins by 235% and 307%, respectively, eliminating traditional blackouts associated with territorial rights.

Currently, several teams remain in uncertainty regarding their broadcasting arrangements, including the Cincinnati Reds, Detroit Tigers, Houston Astros, Kansas City Royals, Los Angeles Angels, Miami Marlins, Milwaukee Brewers, and Pittsburgh Pirates. A confirmation hearing is scheduled for November 14-15 in Houston, where a judge will decide the future operations of Diamond Sports Group as a reorganized entity.