The Mariners will air games “on cable and satellite TV while also offering streaming options for fans” during their first season fully under MLB’s control following the shuttering of Root Sports, according to Ryan Divish of the SEATTLE TIMES. A Mariners TV channel will be available on linear television that will “exclusively air game content, along with a brief pregame and postgame show.” MLB is negotiating the distribution rights; more specifics “likely won’t be announced until closer to opening day.” A streaming version called Mariners.TV, similar to the Root Sports DTC option, “will work in conjunction with the MLB.TV platform and mobile app.” That service costs $19.99 monthly or $99.99 for the full season and is available in the Pacific Northwest, Alaska and Hawaii “with no local blackout restrictions.” Some spring training games will be broadcast as well; sources said that the team is “planning to provide at least some free webcasts of the games” (SEATTLE TIMES, 1/29). In Seattle, Brent Stecker notes the streaming subscription model “follows the template of other teams who have previously had their production and distribution handled by MLB,” including the D-backs, Padres and Rockies (MYNORTHWEST.com, 1/29).
Mariners unveil broadcast plans for first season fully under MLB control
