In a significant shift, Major League Baseball (MLB) has announced plans to take over the production and distribution of local games for the Cleveland Guardians, Milwaukee Brewers, and Minnesota Twins starting next season. This move marks a departure from the struggling Diamond Sports Group, which has been in Chapter 11 reorganization for 19 months. The Texas Rangers will also be parting ways with Diamond, but are exploring alternative local media options for 2025.
The Guardians, Brewers, and Twins will join the Colorado Rockies, Arizona Diamondbacks, and San Diego Padres under MLB’s umbrella, allowing for greater control over local media rights. This change will enable MLB to negotiate cable and satellite distribution agreements and offer local streaming through MLB.tv, eliminating blackouts and territorial restrictions. The move is expected to significantly increase the reach of games for the Guardians and Twins, with projected increases of 235% and 307%, respectively.
The decision comes as Diamond Sports Group faces an uncertain future, with a reorganization plan that would shed broadcasting rights for most teams in its portfolio. Eight teams, including the Atlanta Braves, Tampa Bay Rays, and Detroit Tigers, remain in limbo, awaiting the outcome of Diamond’s reorganization efforts. A bankruptcy judge will determine the fate of Diamond on November 14-15 in Houston.
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