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In Friday’s @stltoday: It would be nice if baseball showed it cared about the fans who can't currently watch games https://t.co/cX6iun1fw0
— Ben Frederickson (@Ben_Fred) April 16, 2021
It is literally stunning that in the year 2021 a person can have access to hundreds and hundreds of channels through streaming, satellite, and cable yet can’t watch the mlb team they want to watch. Something is very wrong with that system.
It is very frustrating, but with so many stakeholders, it would be difficult for anyone to manage. Hence when it is out of control, no one has authority to fix it.
If MLB cared about fans not being able to see games, they would have pushed to resolve the archaic blackout rules years ago. I remember Selig once vowing to fix it back in about 2006. We saw how that went. Manfred seems to be ducking it, probably because he understands the complexity.
In the meantime, the game sinks lower in the mud…
My take on an important topic highlighted by @Ben_Fred yesterday – the growing problem of #stlcards fans – and fans across the country – unable to see MLB games. I share old Bud Selig quotes, and 15 years later, still no one at MLB seems to care. (free) https://t.co/kle94h2dzV pic.twitter.com/qwFeoJvzfP
— Brian Walton (@B_Walton) April 17, 2021
Some day soon, a significant number of fans are going wretch over the greed, and start walking away. If there’s a work stoppage over that greed, it will be the last straw for some.
If you are a #stlcards fan in Arkansas, Oklahoma, as well as parts of Tennessee, Kentucky and Mississippi having trouble finding the telecasts, we explain what is going on and share the details on which games MAY be available on any given night. (free) https://t.co/xqcKzi7DrM pic.twitter.com/RROn8T9s6T
— Brian Walton (@B_Walton) April 25, 2021
Yes, that is the situation I am in here in Northwest Arkansas. My cable affiliate carries the Cardinal games on Bally Sports Southwest Plus, however there are some conflicts with the NBA, NHL, Rangers, and Royals. On nights with a conflict I switch over to the Fox Sports Go app I downloaded and watch the game there. Not ideal but it works.
When originally published, the by-game Bally Sports Southwest Plus schedule for May was not included. For #stlcards fans in Oklahoma and Arkansas, you can now find this updated information in the initial article. https://t.co/xqcKzhQ2Ae https://t.co/C0HsawPdnj
— Brian Walton (@B_Walton) April 30, 2021
Since last year, Bally/Sinclair had been making promises to start its own direct to fans streaming service, but Manfred gave it a thumbs down. Maybe MLB will chart its own path, but unless it fixes the blackouts, large areas of the US will still not be able to see their favorite teams.
MLB is said to be exploring a deal to launch a new streaming service with the NBA and NHL—Manfred suggested the digital rights would remain under the control of the league and its 30 clubs no matter what form the product ultimately takes. https://t.co/34LlvwMRFI
— Sportico (@Sportico) October 26, 2021
Taking away access from the fans is way out of hand. I live 4 1/2 hrs away in Kansas. Not only were home games blacked out by MLB for me, but also AWAY games. Total BS. Wasted money on MLB no more. Found a way to get them but that cheat has disappeared. Manfred needs to go.
I am looking to confirm research I have done relative to streaming services.
I am considering moving away from full service cable TV (which includes Bally Sports) and purchasing a lower cost cable plan + “Roku” streaming.
Questions:
1. Has anyone else done this?
2. How are you able to watch Cardinal games?1964, we had Comcast (biggest cable/internet provider here) and for simple cable and internet they were going to jack it up to $265/month. So we cancelled and got new internet that’s been great, YouTube TV and I get the MLB package. I can walk to Wrigley in 15 minutes, but can’t watch any Cards games when they play there because of blackout restrictions.
Overall I highly recommend cutting the cord!
1964, I wrote about my experiences here.
The blackouts have to stop! I live in Terre Haute, Indiana and they black out Cardinals, Cubs, White Sox and Reds games! I am not going to drive to these games to watch them! I can’t even watch those teams when they air on MLB network! Guess I won’t be watching very many Cardinal games this year. Who can we complain to?
If your mobile phone uses T-mobile service, mlb tv is free for the year on your phone. I was skeptical, but it was a tweet from Jeff Jone, and it works
Out of market only. Good for me, living in Minnesota.
Sinclair has announced that its direct to consumer offering will cost $189.99 per year or $19.99 per month and will roll out this quarter. However, they only have streaming rights to five MLB teams – including the Detroit Tigers, Tampa Bay Rays, Miami Marlins and the Milwaukee Brewers.
I can’t access the link due to ads but I think the Cards will be added around October or when the new hockey season opens?
I do not believe Sinclair has streaming rights to the Cardinals. Unless/until they do, they can’t sell a streaming offering that includes the Cardinals. I don’t follow the Blues to know their situation.
To date, Manfred has not been supportive of Sinclair’s plans. As noted above, MLB wants to do it their way (getting a bigger piece of the $ pie, of course).
Cut out the middleman! Buy direct!
Rob Manfred: "There’s a strong sense among ownership that an undertaking we’re referring to as ‘MLB Media’ should step into the digital space in particular to provide fans with greater and more flexible opportunities to watch games." pic.twitter.com/6bJbqOJ7fG
— Evan Drellich (@EvanDrellich) June 16, 2022
Yes just saw the bally app starts June 23rd. But no Cardinals yet but more teams to follow. I don’t know if I would do it even if the Cardinals get on there. 20 dollars a month is a bit steep. Now if they could get the app on my ps5 or my android tv, I might do it. Would love to be able to ditch cable and still watch all cardinal games. Though if they still black out games, I don’t think it will be good. Down with blackouts.
Sinclair may be selling the regional sports networks. They also could declare bankruptcy.
I can't speak to what it will do to their cash flow situation. Tough to know if anyone truly can.
But MLB's had a plan in the works for over a year now to offer games, without a cable subscription, to local fans and end blackouts.https://t.co/UGxQ8nYhNX
— Doug Gray (@dougdirt24) September 21, 2022
This story has massive ramifications. https://t.co/PKQx32wECf
— Mike Ferrin (@Mike_Ferrin) September 21, 2022
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