CBS could end up being part of a new package of rightsholders for MLB broadcasts or Fox could use an expanded rights buy to launch a new sports channel, as talks continue. With ESPN doubling its financial commitment to MLB broadcasts, the bar was set for what MLB will expect from other bidders when the […]
Archive | Major-League Baseball
San Jose ballpark land deal under formal review
The transfer of land destined for a new San Jose ballpark is officially being reviewed by California Controller John Chiang to determine whether it was done legally. California municipalities were warned in early 2011 that assets of city and county redevelopment agencies would be transferred to the state in order to balance the budget. For the […]
Cromartie laying the groundwork for MLB’s return to Montreal
It’s an effort that won’t pay off any time soon, but former Expo Warren Cromartie says he’s meeting with local business owners to bring Major League Baseball back to Montreal. MLB teams don’t move very often — in the last 30 years, the only team to move was the Montreal Expos, ironically — so obviously an […]
New owners formally take control of Padres
The new owners of the San Diego Padres are now in control of the franchise, but the final lineup still needs to be written, as golfer Phil Mickelson’s name is glaringly absent. The Padres’ new ownership group includes Ron Fowler as control person, Peter O’Malley’s sons, Kevin and Brian O’Malley, and his nephews, Peter and […]
It’s official: Target Field to host 2014 All-Star Game
The Minnesota Twins, Major League Baseball and Bud Selig made it official today: the 2014 MLB All-Star Game will be played July 15 at Target Field. “It is my great honor to name the Minnesota Twins as the hosts of the 2014 All-Star Game,” Selig said in announcing the game today. “This is especially meaningful to […]
ESPN doubling rights fees for MLB
ESPN will double the amount it pays to Major League Baseball for cable, radio and international rights in a new eight-year deal totaling $5.6 billion, according to multiple reports. The current deal, which runs through 2013, brings $350 million annually to MLB teams; the new deal ups that to $700 million. The new deal is […]
Big announcement tomorrow means one thing: Twins land 2014 All-Star Game
MLB Commissioner Bud Selig will be at Target Field tomorrow for a big announcement, which can mean only one thing: the Minnesota Twins have landed the 2014 All-Star Game. It’s been a foregone conclusion among MLB types in recent weeks that the Twins would land the event at Target Field: we’ve been told the only […]
Dodgers, Fox already informally talking new TV rights deal
The Los Angeles Dodgers and Fox already informally discussed a new rights deal that calls for joint ownership of cable channels, with formal talks scheduled for October 15 and beyond. The talks gave the Dodgers a baseline for what to expect in a new deal, as the team’s front office decided to run the Dodgers […]
Vin Scully to return to Dodgers broadcast booth in 2013
Good news for baseball fans: Vin Scully will return to the broadcast booth for a 64th season in 2013, calling all Los Angeles Dodgers home and road games in California and Arizona. “The new ownership of the Dodgers has revitalized the city, the team, the fans and myself,” Scully said. “I am so convinced of their […]
Tampa Bay: We’ll listen to St. Pete ballpark pitch
The Tampa Bay Rays will send reps to hear a pitch from developer Darryl LeClair regarding a new St. Petersburg ballpark, but Stuart Sternberg is still pushing a regional solution that also includes Tampa. LeClair is set to present a plan to the St. Petersburg City County for a new Rays ballpark on a 12-acre site […]
Conference Board: Montreal can support MLB
Montreal has the right demographics, corporate presence and economic outlook to support Major League Baseball, according to a report issued today by a leading Canadian think tank. The study from the Conference Board of Canada, penned by Glen Hodgson and Mario Lefebvre, also indicates economic support for three new NHL teams and another NBA team in Vancouver: […]
New Nats ballpark a financial hit for District
After a contentious fight to bring in the Washington Nationals, it looks like Nationals Park advocates were right: the ballpark’s economic impact is generating a profit for the District of Columbia. Never mind the economic impact in the area around the ballpark — it’s been slow to come, but it is indeed coming. The bottom […]
Cubs, Kane County talking affiliation
In a move that could spawn some tampering charges and fines, sources with the Chicago Cubs say they’re working on a new affiliation deal with the Kane County Cougars (Low Class A; Midwest League). While the move is certainly more convenient for the Cubs — Kane County plays in Geneva in the western-Chicago suburbs — […]