The Los Angeles Dodgers are on the verge of entering a fourth season in which pay-TV providers refuse to add SportsNet LA to their available programming. In early February, it was reported DirecTV, Verizon Fios and others weren’t expected to carry the Dodgers’ exclusive network by Opening Day.
Last November, the United States Justice Department filed a lawsuit against AT&T-DirecTV, alleging they were the ringleaders in colluding against Spectrum and distribution of SportsNet LA. DirecTV explained their stance was in response to carriage fees, not an orchestrated plan to block SportsNet LA distribution.
As that matter awaits a decision, KTLA may provide some relief by broadcasting 10 regular-season games, according to Bill Shaikin of the L.A. Times:
KTLA-TV Channel 5 is close to a deal in which it would carry 10 Dodgers games, all of which would be in April and May, according to a person familiar with the deal but not authorized to discuss it. The deal, if finalized, could be announced as soon as Wednesday.
KTLA did something similar at the end of last season, as they struck an agreement to simulcast Dodgers retired broadcaster Vin Scully’s final six games. That included coverage of the pregame ceremony the Dodgers held in Scully’s honor.
KTLA is a familiar home for the Dodgers as their games were carried by the over-the-air channel for several years. This would mark the third time SportsNet LA games have been simulcast since its inception.
In October 2014, the Dodgers’ final six games of the season aired on KDOC, an independent station that can be received with an over-the-air antenna and is carried by all providers in Southern California.
The Dodgers are set to begin the 2017 season at home on Monday, April 3 against the San Diego Padres. SportsNet LA is currently available to Bright House Networks, Charter and Spectrum subscribers.
