The parties do not know when -- and even if -- the playoffs will be expanded from 10 to likely 14 teamsGETTY IMAGES
ESPN and MLB are "closing in on a TV deal that would provide the network exclusive rights to the first round of the playoffs," according to Marchand & Sherman of the N.Y. POST. They are still "far from knowing when -- and even if -- there will be playoffs expanded from 10 to likely 14 teams to include a best-of-three first round." In the deal, ESPN "would reduce the amount of national games it broadcasts, while increasing the number of marquee matchups." While weekday regular-season baseball "will almost be eliminated on the network, 'Sunday Night Baseball' will continue." ESPN will pay a "lower average value than its previous eight-year contract" that was reported to be for $5.6B. The exact dollars and length "are not yet publicly known," but it is "likely to be through 2028 when the Fox and TBS baseball deals end." Sources said that MLB is also "engaging other networks about picking up what ESPN discards -- likely a host of weekday games -- to broadcast nationally." In '22, when the new deal will begin, ESPN "will broadcast 30 to 40 regular season games, down from around 90." Of the 30-40 in the new deal, 25 "will be in the exclusive Sunday Night window." ESPN "will have the flexibility to put games on ABC." MLB had previously "reached deals with Fox and TBS to extend their relationships" through '28 (N.Y. POST, 12/15).
