Core Insights - ESPN is launching a new $30/month streaming app while securing digital rights for out-of-market MLB games and local games for five franchises [2][3] - The new deal positions ESPN as baseball's primary digital distributor for out-of-market games for the next three years, following the expiration of a previous $550 million annual deal with MLB [3][4] - The agreement includes local rights for five smaller franchises, addressing their struggles with video distribution amid the decline of regional sports networks [4][5] Industry Dynamics - MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred is attempting to centralize video rights to improve the financial situation of smaller franchises, facing resistance from larger franchises with lucrative local deals [6] - The new framework agreement allows ESPN's cable channel to continue airing about 30 games a year, although on different nights than Sunday, with finalization expected by September [7] - ESPN's recent strategic moves include acquiring additional NFL game rights and a significant NBA TV rights package, indicating a trend towards consolidating valuable sports content [8][9] Competitive Landscape - Fox is launching its own sports streaming app, Fox One, priced at $19.99/month, which will offer a variety of live sports programming [10][11] - The competitive environment for sports streaming is intensifying, with multiple players vying for valuable live content [7][10]