Facebook, MLB agree to deal to live-stream regular season games
Mar 9, 2018, 10:39 AM
Arizona Diamondbacks' Paul Goldschmidt rounds the bases after hitting a three-run home against the Colorado Rockies during the first inning of the National League wild-card playoff baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Major League Baseball and Facebook agreed to a deal Friday to exclusively stream 25 regular season games on Facebook in the United States, according to MLB.
The Diamondbacks’ game against the Phillies at 1:05 p.m. on April 26 will be among the games to be streamed on the social media platform, though the schedule is subject to change.
According to Bloomberg, this marks the first time a major U.S. sports league has agreed to show regular season games exclusively on Facebook. Their report also stated that the deal is worth between $30 million and $35 million.
The games will primarily be weekday afternoon games and will be produced by MLB Network. In addition, “specially curated content” including on-demand highlight packages will be distributed on Facebook Watch.
MLB streamed 20 games on Facebook last season, though this partnership will make for MLB’s first digital-only national broadcasts.
All 30 MLB team owners unanimously approved the deal.
The D-backs’ April 26 contest was the only game featuring Arizona that was listed in MLB’s April schedule of broadcasts. The remaining monthly schedule of live broadcasts will be announced during the season, during which the D-backs will play 16 weekday matinee games.
