Media Rights & Revenue - MLB aims to consolidate national and local media rights to create more valuable packages for potential buyers, increasing national exposure and reach [6][7] - MLB is confident in securing significant rights fee increases in 2028 by having all content available, including playoffs and regular season games [2][3] - Centralizing media revenue and sharing it equally (1/30) among teams could reduce the need for local revenue sharing, appealing to large market teams [9] - MLB is close to finalizing a Sunday package deal with multiple bidders, including NBC, Apple, and ESPN [11][12] - International rights, especially concerning players like Shohei Ohtani, will be a significant component of future media rights deals [39][40] Competitive Balance & Player Relations - MLB acknowledges the significant spending difference between high and low-spending teams and is considering solutions to improve competitive balance [17] - MLB recognizes the players union's stance against a salary cap but aims to convince players that any system changes will benefit everyone [19][20] - MLB intends to address concerns about competitive balance, acknowledging fans' concerns in various markets [16] Game Integrity & Gambling - MLB emphasizes transparency in sports betting through partnerships and monitoring systems to defend the integrity of the game [42][43] - MLB's policy regarding players involved in gambling scandals allows posthumous Hall of Fame eligibility, distinguishing between living and deceased individuals [44][45] Fan Engagement & Growth - MLB attributes the spike in ratings to a better on-field product and rule changes that have made the game faster and more action-packed [22] - MLB is investing heavily in youth participation, with youth programming showing measurable returns and MLB becoming the fastest-growing major sport [55][56] - MLB is actively promoting its stars through multifaceted marketing programs, including social media engagement [25][28] Expansion & Future Initiatives - MLB is committed to resolving the situations with the Athletics and the Tampa Bay Rays before considering expansion [35][36] - MLB is considering expansion by two teams, ideally one in the Eastern Time Zone and one in the Mountain or Western Time Zone [37] - MLB anticipates expansion fees to be in the billions, given recent franchise value developments [38] - MLB is actively considering participation in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, viewing it as a marketing opportunity [50][51]
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred On The Future Of Baseball, Media, Expansion, And The CBA
CNBC Televisionยท2025-07-17 13:29