MLB owners, concluding quarterly meetings today in Chicago, have formally approved the establishment of BAM Tech as a standalone entity, and endorsed the ongoing search for strategic investors and other investment opportunities. BAM Tech has grown from a portion of MLBAM servicing digital media and streaming efforts of third-party content owners and programmers, and has seen that rise accelerate further in recent months with the acquisition of large-scale deals with the NHL and HBO, among others.
Owners also approved folding MLB Properties organizationally back within the Office of the Commissioner. MLB Properties previously existed as a separate holding company. With Commissioner Rob Manfred’s unification of all MLB business under President of Business & Media Bob Bowman, such separation was no longer needed or wanted. Manfred, a day ahead of the one-year anniversary of his election as Commissioner, said the league has been transformed by the streamlining of the sport’s business operations. Manfred: “It has ... made a difference in how we communicate with our sponsors and media partners. We’re trying to add luster to the face of our game, and I think we’ve made good progress.”
MLB additionally announced the hiring of executive search firm Korn Ferry to provide candidates, particularly minorities and women, assistance as they seek various baseball operations positions. It is expected that numerous senior-level jobs, particularly at the club level, will become available this coming offseason, and the Korn Ferry retention is designed to spur additional inclusion.
