ESPN and MLB have mutually decided to end their TV deal early, concluding it before the 2025 season. The move reflects ESPN's dissatisfaction with the costs associated with its Sunday game rights compared to competitors like Apple and Roku. Analysts believe ESPN is strategically renegotiating its sports rights agreements, especially with the upcoming launch of its streaming platform. Commissioner Rob Manfred has indicated that MLB is not inclined to lower fees for ESPN, citing coverage concerns. Overall, ESPN maintains a strong position in the sports broadcasting landscape.
"Sports rights have gone up so much, at some point, there has to be some financial discipline," Jessica Reif Ehrlich, managing director at Bank of America Securities, told BI.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred expressed disagreement with reducing fees for ESPN, noting dissatisfaction with the limited coverage outside of game-time broadcasts.
"ESPN, generally, is in a position of strength," Reif Ehrlich said, highlighting the broadcaster's broad portfolio beyond baseball.
Analysts suggest that ESPN is carefully selecting its sports rights battles, especially as it prepares for the launch of its new streaming platform.
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