Turner Sports will continue to broadcast MLB through the 2028 season for the price of $3.7 billion, which comes out to $535 million a season. The agreement will begin in 2022 and include a Tuesday night baseball game exclusive to Turner Sports as well as additional postseason game and comes with expanded rights for media platforms such as Bleacher Report and other WarnerMedia affiliates. It is a 65% increase over previous MLB and TBS contracts.
According to USA Today, WarnerMedia Sports and News Chairman Jeff Zucker said “The commitment to baseball from Turner is as strong today as it has ever been, our strategy is to present premium live sports and obviously extending our deal was an important pillar.” While getting playoff games is valued in this deal, Zucker stated that the deal would not have been reached if there was not an expansion of the digital rights. The increased use of MLB footage and highlights for Bleacher Report could attract a younger audience, Zucker says.
The new deal includes exclusive rights to one wild-card game, two of the four Division Series and one of the League Championship Series. The coverage will alternate between leagues each year, giving Turner the most postseason games on any one network.
It also includes a season-long Game of the Week on Tuesday nights. Turner currently has a Sunday afternoon game over the last half of the major league season.
Before this new deal takes effect, TBS will be shaking up its fall lineup of on air personalities for the postseason. Fans will be able to see a Tuesday game of the week that will be preceded by its reconfigured pregame featuring Ernie Johnson, Pedro Martinez, Jimmy Rollins and Curtis Granderson.