The number of households viewing Royals games on Fox Sports K.C. "has more than doubled, to 113,000 a game," according to Richard Sandomir of the N.Y. TIMES. At the same point of the season five years ago, "only 28,000 were watching." But now, the Royals’ ratings are "ranked No. 1 in baseball, although the size of the Kansas City market means that its viewership is ranked lower." After winning the AL pennant last season, a reinvigorated Royals fan base is "fueling ratings that regularly beat competitors in prime time." FS K.C. GM Jack Donovan said, "Of course, winning leads to higher ratings, but this is about more than just winning. It’s a collection of players who are an entertaining and charismatic bunch." Sandomir notes ad rates for the games "rose based on last year’s success but do not reflect the jump in viewers this season because commercial time was largely sold before opening day." Donovan: "Customers who negotiated with us in March are getting exceptionally good deals." Sandomir writes the Royals "could be nearing a financial epiphany over the next few years, especially if they stay a winning team and if the market for live sports events remains hot." Their deal with FS K.C. expires after the '19 season, and they are "likely to receive considerably more" than the reported $20M annual rights fee they are currently receiving. Donovan: "We have not begun those conversations yet" (N.Y. TIMES, 5/29).
