US cable-television channel the CBS Sports Network, which is operated by the CBS network, has entered into a partnership with Minor League Baseball (MiLB) to broadcast the MLB affiliate league’s game of the week throughout the 2014 season.
CBS Sports Network launched its coverage with yesterday’s game between Indianapolis Indians and Pawtucket Red Sox and its May schedule features Lehigh Valley IronPigs versus Charlotte Knights, Albuquerque Isotopes versus Fresno Grizzlies, Durham Bulls versus Columbus Clippers and Iowa Cubs versus Memphis Redbirds.
Additional game dates will be announced at a later date and could feature multiple classifications of play ranging from Single-A to Triple-A.
The partnership between MiLB and CBS Sports Network was brokered by the JMI Sports agency and represents a landmark deal for the league.
Michael Hand, chief marketing officer for Minor League Baseball and president of MiLB Enterprises, said: “This partnership will allow us to further expose the experience of Minor League Baseball beyond the 41 million-plus fans that pass through our gates each season.
“Since baseball began its first player draft in 1965, only 21 selections out of nearly 60,000 have advanced directly to Major League Baseball without first playing in Minor League Baseball. This partnership is the first truly comprehensive television package that will allow MiLB to feature the next generation of stars at all classifications.”