MLB and Fox in talks to lift streaming blackouts – report

Major League Baseball is in talks with Fox that would result in streamed games from the US network’s regional sports broadcasters provided without blackouts, according to the Forbes website.

Under current regulations, games that are played in a team’s local television market are subject to blackouts to those fans that live within the territory. Fans watching games on television via MLB Extra Innings, the league’s out-of-market package, can switch to the regional sports network where the game is originating.

However, those that stream games via the MLB.tv platform to internet-enabled devices do not have this option as the originating networks do not currently offer streaming capabilities. Forbes said this situation currently impacts around 40 per cent of all broadcasts during the MLB regular season, with a deal now in place to address this.

But the website added that challenges still remain before an agreement is sealed. MLB Advanced Media (MLBAM), the league’s interactive media and internet company, is said to be seeking total control of the streaming of games, while Fox wants to retain an interest.