Earlier this month Major League Baseball and Apple reached a rights agreement that will see two Friday night games streamed exclusively on Apple TV+ each week, beginning with the 2022 season.
MLB already has streamed games online through deals with Facebook and YouTube TV in recent seasons. As the sports media landscape continues to shift, more big-name digital companies are attempting to enter the field.
According to Lillian Rizzo and Jared Diamond of The Wall Street Journal, NBCUniversal’s Peacock is finalizing a deal to stream MLB games in a new Sunday time slot during the 2022 regular season:
NBCUniversal’s Peacock is finalizing a deal with Major League Baseball for exclusive rights to stream games in a new Sunday time slot, according to people familiar with the discussions, as the league looks to increase digital partnerships.
The deal with NBCUniversal, a unit of Comcast Corp. (CMCSA 0.53%), would involve a package of 18 games, some beginning at 11:30 a.m. ET and others just after noon, the people said.
Given the early start times, Rizzo and Diamond noted the games would primarily be played on the East Coast. The first game is expected to be simulcast on both NBC’s broadcast network and Peacock in early May, while the remaining 17 contests will air exclusively on the streaming platform.
Peacock currently offers three tiers to subscribers, including a free plan with limited content, but MLB games will only be available to those who sign up for a paid plan.
The premium Peacock tier has already carried Sunday Night Football, Super Bowl LVI, 2021 Beijing Winter Olympics and English Premier League games.
MLB on Apple TV+ schedule includes two Dodgers games in first half
Apple and MLB announced the first half of the 2022 “Friday Night Baseball” schedule for Apple TV+, which includes the Los Angeles Dodgers facing the Cincinnati Reds on Jackie Robinson Day.
The Dodgers will also be featured on Apple TV’s coverage on June 17 when they host the Cleveland Guardians.
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