US broadcaster Fox Sports Media Group has purchased the Cleveland Indians’ regional cable-television sports channel SportsTime Ohio, along with the broadcast rights to the Major League Baseball team.
Fox Sports will pay $230 million (€178.3 million) for SportsTime Ohio and $400 million for the team’s broadcast rights over 10 years, from 2013 to 2022, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer newspaper.
“The acquisition of SportsTime Ohio solidifies our business in Ohio,” Jeff Krolik, executive vice-president of Fox Sports Networks, said. “Fox Sports Media Group’s new long-term agreement with the Indians reunites the team with the Fox Sports family. We look forward to once again showcasing the Indians to their fans, as well as working with the Indians ownership to continue to enhance the value of this iconic franchise.”
Indians games were previously shown by Fox Sports Ohio up until the 2006 MLB season, when the team’s owners, Paul and Larry Dolan, created SportsTime Ohio to begin carrying the games.
Fox Sports Ohio already has rights for Cincinnati Reds MLB games, Cleveland Cavaliers NBA basketball games, Columbus Blue Jackets NHL ice hockey games, Columbus Crew Major League Soccer matches and regional university athletics.
Fox Sports Media Group, which is owned by media conglomerate News Corporation, already owns 20 US regional sports networks.