Despite a 104-loss season, the Royals have still generated big TV ratings in the K.C. market getty images
The final deadline for the Royals and FS K.C. to "negotiate a new television contract has passed," meaning that effective immediately, the Royals are "free to negotiate with any network," according to Sam Mellinger of the K.C. STAR. The Royals' current deal with Fox, which expires after the '19 season, is "widely believed to be one of the worst for a team in major professional sports." Fox will pay the Royals about $25M in the final year of the contract. Royals Senior VP/Business Operations Kevin Uhlich "wouldn't disclose either side's final offer but said 'it's still a pretty big gap.'" Mellinger notes the Royals are "believed to want a 10- for 15-year contract." Despite a 104-loss season this year, the Royals were again the "most-watched prime-time television programming" in K.C., and "finished sixth among the 29 U.S.-based teams." Meanwhile, the Royals "expect Fox to remain interested" in pursuing a new contract. The team has "generally been happy with the partnership in every way except the most important, which is the payout." The current deal gives Fox the "right to review and match any final offer the Royals receive from a third party, with two exceptions: if the Royals start their own regional sports network, of if the offer is more than the team's final offer to Fox" (K.C. STAR, 10/19).
