MovieChat Forums > General Discussion > Question for MLB play off experts.....

Question for MLB play off experts.....

posted a month ago by Hereonlyforfun (139)
7 replies | jump to latest

Can someone explain the benefit of so few MLB Playoff games being televised on outlets that would allow for maximum views?

Do channels like FS1, TBS, or other places pay so much for broadcast rights that it is now more profitable to air these games on restricted outlets instead of outlets where anyone with broadcast television could watch them, as in the past?

To me, it would seem that more viewers, means higher ad revenue prices. Not only that, I think having so many of these games played on pay channels harm the future followship of baseball. For example, many people may not consistently watch MLB through the season, but then watch the playoffs and WS and at the same time, maybe viewes might latch on to some player on some team and then start watching next year and become full-time fans.

Thoughts?

[–] Zarkoff (1871) a month ago

Short term, I suppose streaming this way brings in more money. I think they are killing themselves long term, though. Only people who are already dedicated fans are going to look for the games. I think they are struggling to keep younger and more casual fans interested at all, doing it this way.

[–] GolfnGuitars (2905) a month ago

Yes...the people who run MLB are flat-out morons. There used to be such a buzz around the MLB playoffs, but not anymore. That was one thing I remember hownos saying (even though I didn't always agree with his views)...he said baseball has turned into a "niche sport" and I think he was right about that, unfortunately.

[–] MartyDeniro (4171) a month ago

Yes.

Yes.

MLB has always been a regional sport. If the Yankees beat the Guardians and advance to the WS, most Guardian fans aren't going to lock in to watching the Yankees vs the Mets or Dodgers. MLB is not like the NFL. Of course, MLB is rooting for a Yankees-Dodgers WS, if only for the more broad appeal of stars like Judge and Ohtani.

[–] SamNoyoun (5858) a month ago

This is nothing new... As someone who has never had cable or satellite I remember complaining about it twenty years ago!

[–] SaveTheSeason (358) a month ago

The MLB postseason drags on too long. Today is October 20 and the World Series should already be underway. Adding the Wild Card Series has caused the whole thing to spill over into November.
Late October is time for Halloween, and in November thoughts should be turning towards Thanksgiving Day (if one lives in the U.S.). Baseball is a summer affair that has nothing to do with the holidays. And enough of the Yankees! Forty-one appearances in this event are too many.
Summer has been over with for almost a month now; it's time to bury that miserable season and get on with the best time of the year.

Save the holiday season.

[–] DarthAckbar (2055) a month ago

Q: "Do channels like FS1, TBS, or other places pay so much for broadcast rights that it is now more profitable to air these games on restricted outlets instead of outlets where anyone with broadcast television could watch them, as in the past?

A: "Yes."

[–] blue1981 (7783) a month ago

Baseball really is a regional sport and wanned in popularity for years. I think part of the problem lies in the season being too long and yes games need to be on networks that make it easier to watch them.