The National Advertising Division asked T-Mobile to stop its claim that customers can watch major league baseball seasons live or on-demand with the T-Mobile Tuesdays app, according to a release from the Better Business Bureau National Programs on Wednesday. The NAD said T-Mobile could modify its claim to clarify which categories of live games are available with the MLB.tv benefit. The NAD determined that T-Mobile’s claim is incorrect because not all MLB games are live, even though all previously played games are available on demand.
AT&T challenged T-Mobile’s original claim, the latest strike between the two rivaled mobile carriers. A quick internet search returns dozens of articles debating which carrier offers the best plan. AT&T’s complaint further supports the importance of commercials and advertising for both companies.
T-Mobile modified the claim to indicate that the carrier’s customers will be able to view every 2023 out-of-market and regular season game live or on demand. The carrier didn’t specify whether the modification would be permanent. In addition, NAD decisions aren’t binding.
Earlier this year, T-Mobile announced a new deal with the MLB. With this deal, T-Mobile will be free for T-Mobile customers through 2028 if you sign up for the service every year.
“T-Mobile and MLB are embarking on a six-year journey to deliver breakthrough fan experiences, and it’s all thanks to our leading 5G network,” said Mike Sievert, CEO, T-Mobile. “We’re enhancing the game on and off the field to give fans across the country even more ways to enjoy the game we all love — on top of showing our customers love with free MLB.TV.”
This deal dose not stop at free MLB.TV as T-Mobile and MLB will partner together on the following plans.
- Work with MLB to test the automated ball-strike system over a T-Mobile 5G Private Mobile Network at select MiLB games this season.
- Continue its title sponsorship of the T-Mobile Home Run Derby during MLB All-Star Week.
- Partner with MLB Network to bring back the fan-favorite T-Mobile 5G BP show for the T-Mobile Home Run Derby and MLB Postseason.
- Become the presenting sponsor for the Little League Baseball World Series, building on its relationship with the world’s largest youth sports organization.
- Give T-Mobile customers free MLB.TV subscriptions via T-Mobile Tuesdays through 2028.
AT&T had no further comment on the decision. T-Mobile didn’t immediately respond.
T-Mobile’s Tuesdays app offers exclusive perks for customers like discounts on gas, food and hotels. Customers can also get a free 2023 MLB.tv subscription through the app. In 2016 and 2017, AT&T brought DIRECTV customers MLB Network Showcase games in 4K Ultra High Definition.