Following in the footsteps of the Los Angeles Lakers, the Los Angeles Dodgers signed an lucrative deal with Time Warner Cable to launch a regional sports network that held exclusive carriage rights.
However, unlike what transpired with Time Warner Cable SportsNet, terms over distribution of SportsNet LA has been met with significant backlash from AT&T U-verse, Dish Network, DirecTV and others.
As the impasse lingers on, Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred expressed concern Tuesday morning over the situation, according to Dylan Hernandez of the LA Times:
“My concern could not be higher,” Manfred said. “I think that the Dodgers and the Los Angeles market are crucial to Major League Baseball and its reach. This has gone on a long time.”
Amid his concern, Manfred hopes a resolution will be reached for the 2016 season:
“I’m hopeful that there are dynamics in play beyond baseball, in terms of corporate activity, that may create some flexibility and, hopefully, we will get a resolution in time for the 2016 season,” he said.
Without providing specific details, former MLB commissioner Bud Selig said in September of last year league officials got involved as effort to bring an end to the blackout.
Manfred previously remarked in October he didn’t believe there was much he could do to bring an end to the dispute.
There’s hope once Charter’s proposed acquisition of TWC is approved, more distribution deals will be struck. There may be further impetus to end the impasse for the 2016 season as it is expected to be Vin Scully’s last as Dodgers broadcaster.
Along with being available to TWC and Charter customers, SportsNet LA is also carried by Bright House Networks.
