Major League Baseball and Turner Sports announced they have come to an agreement on a seven-year media rights contract extension that goes from 2022-2028. Financial terms were not disclosed, but it is reported as being worth $535 million per year, which is a substantial increase from the previous deal.
The new agreement includes TBS being the exclusive home to the most MLB Postseason games of any network, a new season-long Tuesday night game broadcast, expansive digital rights for Bleacher Report and additional WarnerMedia platforms.
MLB and Turner Sports have now had a partnership for more than 50 years, something commissioner Rob Manfred is excited to keep going.
“As we prepare for another year of exciting October baseball, I am proud Turner Sports will continue to be a part of the Postseason as we expand on this long-term partnership,” Manfred in the press release.
“This agreement positions both organizations for mutual growth by continuing Postseason coverage on TBS, delivering a new Tuesday night Baseball franchise, and expanding baseball’s presence on Turner Sports’ digital platforms.”
As a part of the agreement, beginning in 2022, Turner Sports will have enhanced media and television rights that include the League Championship Series on TBS each year, with the league rotating each season, two of the four Division Series’ each year, one Wild Card Game and a new season-long Tuesday night national game telecast each week.
Additionally, the digital rights include TBS games being available to authenticated subscribers across Turner Sports platforms, increased footage and highlights and much more.
In 2020, American League postseason series as well as many of the Wild Card series broadcasted on TNT, with the National League on Fox.
Three former Dodgers on TBS’ new Studio Show
Additionally, Turner Sports announced a new studio show that will debut this postseason. It will feature host Ernie Johnson as well as three former Los Angeles Dodgers in Curtis Granderson, Pedro Martinez and Jimmy Rollins. Granderson is the new addition to that bunch after retiring this past offseason.
“Curtis was a dynamic player throughout his career and, in a very short amount of time, has demonstrated similar versatility in his ability to connect with fans across a variety of platforms,” Turner sports senior vice president of talent services and special projects Tara August said.
“We’re thrilled to welcome him to the Turner Sports family and look forward to partnering with him to deliver unique content and experiences that resonate with our fans.”
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