ESPN, MLB agree $5.6bn eight-year extension
August 29, 2012
ESPN and Major League Baseball in the US have reached an eight-year, multiplatform and multi-regional rights extension which will significantly enhance ESPN’s TV, digital and radio rights to MLB in the US and around the world. The agreement – effective 2014 through 2021 – is worth $5.6 billion.
The agreement covers rights for the US, Europe, Latin America, Caribbean, Middle East, Africa, Israel, Australia, New Zealand, Pacific Islands and Cruise Ships.
ESPN America will continue to be the home of MLB coverage throughout more than 40 countries in Europe, reaching more than 19 million homes. Under the expanded agreement, fans will be able to watch Spring Training games, more than 300 regular season MLB games, the MLB All-Star Weekend and all post-season games.
The new agreement also includes:
– Expanded multimedia MLB rights in the US
– Rights for ESPN to produce additional hours of MLB studio programming
– Increased footage and highlights rights across multiple media;
– Syndication rights throughout Europe and on cruise ships;
– Added rights and content across digital platforms,
– Archive games and “Instant Classic” games on ESPN America and ESPN Classic.