Question Regarding MLB territorial restrictions

by David Piper on Mar 24, 2008 10:51 PM PDT

Here's a question that's been bugging me lately--

With how restrictive MLB is as far as protecting local broadcast markets, how does WGN get away with showing Cubs and White Sox games nationwide?

I like that I get what amounts to extra games. I'm just curious how they get away with it.

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A different MLB question

I get nervous about starting new diaries, but can lump my MLB-related question in here.

Has anyone heard if there's any likelihood of MLB streaming content to mobile phones yet? I suppose it won't catch on until enough of the US is covered by strong enough mobile reception to justify it, but we've been watching sports on mobiles for over a year now and I just gotta get baseball on my mobile.

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by MarkE on Mar 25, 2008 2:28 AM PDT reply actions

Same way TBS showed Braves games

separate deals with MLB that allow for national broadcast because of WGN's status as a "superstation". The whole "superstation" thing is kind of pointless now, but 10 years ago, it actually meant something (a nationally televised local cable channel? That was something impressive) and WGN/TBS capitalized on it.

We'll see if WGN still carries both teams nationally once their current deal expires, whenever that is.

Nice Guys Finish Third - Hopelessly lost, but makin' good time.

by pdb on Mar 25, 2008 6:59 AM PDT reply actions

MLB

I forget the details, but when MLB negotiated the last round of TV contracts, part of the deal was to phase in limits on the number of games on the "superstations" can show (as they devalued the national contracts, local broadcasting contracts, and the extra innings package). In fact, I think the national version of TBS gave up the rights to the Braves games in exchange for a national cable deal like the one ESPN has.

by G_ on Mar 25, 2008 9:54 AM PDT up reply actions