The Fight for Rights: Sports and Digital Content

In December, Biz of Baseball reported on the increasing number of media properties and platforms that are competing for MLB programming. The report discussed that amongst the competing groups are some of the MLB owners themselves, particularly those with interests in lucrative RSNs. These owners have been lobbying for control of the local digital media rights of their own clubs, rights which are controlled by MLBAM. RSNs see great potential in these rights to supplement game broadcasts with shoulder programming, VOD and interactive TV in addition to boosting broadband offerings. Meanwhile, MLB and the other “stick and ball” leagues are in different stages of launching live streaming of in-market games. This issue has generated much consternation within the leagues as they attempt to balance the rapidly changing viewing habits of consumers in the “new media” age while simultaneously protecting very profitable partnerships with cable and broadcast TV. Live streaming of in-market gam...