US cable-television operator Time Warner Cable has agreed a deal with independent broadcast station KDOC that will allow all local fans of the Los Angeles Dodgers to watch the MLB baseball team’s final six regular season games.
Beginning September 22, TWC will simulcast the remaining games of the season on regional pay-television channel SportsNet LA and KDOC, subject to national broadcast commitments. The Dodgers face the San Francisco Giants on September 22, 23 and 24 and then take on the Colorado Rockies on September 26, 27 and 28.
SportsNet LA launched in February as part of the Dodgers’ exclusive local rights deal with TWC. Time Warner Cable holds a 25-year deal, from 2014 to 2038, for the Dodgers’ media rights in an agreement worth $8.35bn (€6.14bn).
However, TWC has been engaged in a dispute with other operators over distribution of SportsNet LA meaning that only its customers, along with those of Bright House Networks and a small operator called Champion Broadband have been able to watch the Dodgers this season.
KDOC is carried by every cable, satellite and telecommunications provider in Southern California and can be received over the air with an antenna.
TWC chief operating officer Dinni Jain said the company will continue to work on long-term agreements with other providers to carry SportsNet LA during the MLB close season.
The Dodgers head into the regular season finale leading the National League West with San Francisco in second place.