Cable TV keeps MLB "Extra Innings" for 7 more years

[MikeO]

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2826280

INDemand (which carries the games for Cable TV) struck a deal. 7 year contract they agree to put the MLB Channel in 2009, and this deal will probalby put the MLB Channel on in at least 40 million homes. The catch....your cable company (whether it be Comcast, Time Waner, Cablevision..etc) MUST agree to carry the MLB Channel. Some have already signed on but not all have. So it depends on where you live.

Both INDemand and DIRECTV each get 16% equity in the new MLB channel that starts in 2009.

 

[Rocky Raccoon]

so this means it is only available on DirecTV until 2009...and then available on both?

 

[MikeO]

as of 8pm tonight (now) its available on BOTH DirecTV and Cable

 

[MikeO]

The directv deal was never exclusive. MLB told cable that if they match the Directv deal (unlike with the NFL) that they would allow both to carry the games. Directv didn't care, so they agreed.

MLB dragged its feet but finally got it done 3 days into the season.

 

[Rocky Raccoon]

so can I order it on Comcast now?

 

[MikeO]

so can I order it on Comcast now?

IF and ONLY IF Comcast is one of the cable companies that has agreed to carry the MLB Channel in 2009.

If Comcast doesn't agree to that they don't have the rights to the package.

From what I understand (and I could be wrong) not ALL cable companies have agreed to this. Most have, but not all. So, there are probably going to be a couple cable outlets that won't carry the MLB package because they refuse to carry the MLB Channel in 2009. If Comcast is one of them I don't know.

 

[Rocky Raccoon]

IF and ONLY IF Comcast is one of the cable companies that has agreed to carry the MLB Channel in 2009.

If Comcast doesn't agree to that they don't have the rights to the package.

From what I understand (and I could be wrong) not ALL cable companies have agreed to this. Most have, but not all. So, there are probably going to be a couple cable outlets that won't carry the MLB package because they refuse to carry the MLB Channel in 2009. If Comcast is one of them I don't know.

ok thanks for the info. I'm going to do some research, if anyone knows anything please post it.

 

[GreenMonster]

ok thanks for the info. I'm going to do some research, if anyone knows anything please post it.

Let me know Rocky, I have Comcast and would throw down in a heart-beat for this. MLB is gonna make money hand over foot during the length of this deal.

 

[Rocky Raccoon]

Let me know Rocky, I have Comcast and would throw down in a heart-beat for this. MLB is gonna make money hand over foot during the length of this deal.

I don't see anything yet. But I assume it it's available you can find the games on your Comcast for today's games. I'm going to check when I get home from work.

 

[Rocky Raccoon]

well I checked my Comcast digital cable and there are no MLB channels listed, so I don't know what's happening with it.

 

[Rocky Raccoon]

Comcast does have the agreement but apparently you can't order it yet as they're still working on some things, but you can watch the free previews that go on throughout the week. Right now they are hidden on the NHL channels.

 

[GreenMonster]

Comcast does have the agreement but apparently you can't order it yet as they're still working on some things, but you can watch the free previews that go on throughout the week. Right now they are hidden on the NHL channels.

Yes, best 159 i will ever spend. They have my business for life till I move back to NESN country, no more watching games on the computer display, moving back to the big screen.

 

[Offerdahl56]

i would do this in a heartbeat if all the games were in HD (which will never happen)...but for now I'll stick with the mlb.tv.....but $159 for the whole season is a great deal...