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MUMBAI:
US broadcaster Turner Broadcasting System and Major League
Baseball have reached an eight-year, media rights extension
that will encompass a variety of screens and platforms.
This
new agreement builds on MLB’s long-standing relationship
with Turner Sports and is highlighted by an extension of TBS’s
television rights for the MLB postseason and the addition
of co-exist rights for the network’s ’Sunday MLB
on TBS’ franchise. The agreement also features TV Everywhere
rights and expanded digital rights for Turner’s portfolio.
The
extended agreement, effective 2014 through 2021, will guarantee
a 45-plus year continuous relationship between Turner and
MLB, dating back to 1973 when the company began televising
MLB games on WTCG (now TBS).
The
partnership represents one of the longest-running relationships
between a media company and league in the history of televised
sports. The current agreement between MLB and Turner, which
started in 2007, will conclude following the 2013 season.
Turner
Broadcasting president of sales, distribution and sports David
Levy said, "Major League Baseball on TBS has been a staple
of our programming foundation and the home to so many memorable
baseball moments. This agreement reflects our respect for
one another’s business and the mutual regard we have
with MLB."
MLB
Commissioner Allan H Selig said, "I have often said in
recent years that we are living in the golden age of baseball
and that the game has never been more popular. But to see
the unprecedented commitment these networks have made to televising
Major League Baseball for years to come is truly amazing.
On behalf of Major League Baseball, I am thrilled that we
will continue our relationships with both Fox and Turner.
Both networks are passionate about baseball and are truly
committed to covering, promoting and growing the sport, and
I want to thank them for their continued support."
In
addition to the television rights, the deal encompasses an
expansion of Turner’s digital rights across a spectrum
of screens and platforms including mobile, web, tablets and
connected devices.
The
agreement also includes:
•
TV Everywhere rights that will allow TBS to simulcast its
MLB games and related programming across Turner platforms.
• Increased footage and highlights rights for Turner
websites and applications. This includes Bleacher Report,
which Turner Sports acquired in August 2012, and its popular
Team Stream app.
• Interactive television rights. This includes the rights
to create companion and ancillary products related to the
TBS broadcast of regular and postseason games.
"This
new agreement adds considerable value to our portfolio of
offerings. We’re pleased to extend our relationship with
the MLB brand across multiple screens to create an even richer
baseball experience for our viewers, advertisers and distribution
partners," said Levy.
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