The Texas Rangers, reigning champions of Major League Baseball, and DIRECTV have announced a multiyear distribution agreement that will bring comprehensive coverage of Rangers games to fans across a five-state footprint. The deal, one of the first for the newly formed Rangers Sports Network, ensures that fans in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, and eastern New Mexico can access pre-game, post-game, and live game telecasts throughout the upcoming season.
This agreement encompasses a wide range of distribution platforms, including DIRECTV’s satellite-free streaming service, traditional satellite TV, and U-verse. Rangers games will be available on channel 677 for DIRECTV satellite and streaming customers, and on U-verse channels 1752 (HD) and 752 (SD).
Expanding Access and Choice for Fans
“We continue to believe in the unique power of local teams like the Texas Rangers to unite the communities they call home, and this relationship will continue to distinguish DIRECTV as an industry leader for baseball fans,” said Rob Thun, Chief Content Officer of DIRECTV. “We want to create opportunities for local fans and businesses to support their hometown teams while also offering consumers more choice, flexibility, and the ability to obtain the programming they feel best meets their own interests at a good value.”
This partnership reflects DIRECTV’s long-standing commitment to providing comprehensive sports coverage and catering to the needs of local fan bases. The company has a history of embracing innovative sports offerings, including league-operated channels, conference-specific services, local sports networks, and stand-alone team channels.
MySports Package and Victory+ App
DIRECTV’s recently launched MySports package, a sports-centric offering for residential streaming customers, further expands access to sports content. This package includes a combination of national sports channels, league and conference-operated channels, women’s sports, specialty sports, local broadcast stations, and upcoming sports streaming services.
Additionally, DIRECTV customers who subscribe to the Rangers Sports Network can access games through the Victory+ streaming app, which also features content from the region’s NHL team, the Dallas Stars.
DIRECTV for Business: Serving Commercial Venues
DIRECTV FOR BUSINESS continues to be a leading provider of sports content for commercial establishments, including sports bars, restaurants, and other venues where fans gather to watch games. The service offers a wide array of sports programming, including MLB games, ESPN+ for Business, and Amazon Prime Video’s Thursday Night Football.
DIRECTV for BUSINESS will continue to deliver Rangers games to Globe Life Field, the team’s home stadium, and the adjacent Texas Live! entertainment complex.
Over-the-Air Broadcasts
The Rangers also plan to make 15 games available via over-the-air local broadcast stations, primarily Friday home games. DIRECTV will have the rights to offer these games to its satellite-free streaming, satellite, and U-verse customers in the Rangers’ home territory.
The partnership between the Texas Rangers and DIRECTV provides fans with comprehensive access to game coverage across a variety of platforms. This agreement reflects the growing importance of regional sports networks and the increasing demand for flexible viewing options. As the media landscape continues to evolve, partnerships like this one will play a crucial role in delivering sports content to fans in a way that meets their needs and preferences.