Earlier today we learned that Bally Sports had decided not to pay the Padres and returned the rights to air Padres games to the MLB. This move puts the MLB’s backup plans in the event an RSN network is unable to pay its rights into action.
There have been rumors that MLB would stream the games through the MLB.TV app for free. There have also been reports that MLB has been in talks with streaming partners like YouTube to stream the games in the market for fans as MLB. It has been reported that MLB is looking for other cable TV networks interested in airing MLB games to replace Bally Sports if needed. For now, we will have to wait and see what happens as the MLB is rushing to put its backup plan into action.
Now though, Sports Business Journal is reporting that MLB plans to make the Padres’ games available for free through Sunday. After that, Fubo will reportedly have rights to stream the games. The games will also be available on DIRECTV, Cox, and Spectrum. Details of how this will work will reportedly be announced tomorrow.
Update: Fubo has reached out to Cord Cutters News to confirm that they will also be streaming tonight’s Padres games and will stream all of the Padres’ in-market games for the rest of the season.
It is possible other streaming services will also get rights to air the Padres.
Diamond Sports was reportedly losing money on its deal with the Padres, that is reportedly worth $1.2 billion. It seems that Bally Sports’ parent company, Diamond Sports decided returning the rights to air the games to the MLB was the most profitable thing they could do.
It is reported that Bally Sports owes MLB teams about $1 billion. A number that MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred confirmed.
The MLB has made it clear they would prefer for Bally Sports to finish its contract, but if that can’t happen, they are ready with backup plans. The good news for MLB fans is that no matter what happens will still be able to watch their MLB games.