MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred’s plan to have the league manage broadcast rights is facing pushback from an influential figure in baseball. Hal Steinbrenner of the New York Yankees is against a system for local TV rights and believes that any centralization should be a choice rather than mandatory. Manfred’s proposal comes at a time of upheaval in sports broadcasting.

The decline of cable television and the rise of streaming platforms have forced MLB to reconsider its traditional revenue models. Manfred has floated the idea of consolidating all 30 teams’ broadcast rights under the league’s control to create a unified streaming service. The plan aims to simplify access for fans, eliminate regional blackouts, and ensure financial stability for smaller-market teams struggling with failing regional sports networks (RSNs).

Can Hal Steinbrenner protect the Yankees Yes Network?

According to the Athletic, Steinbrenner said, “We’ve had discussions with Rob in the past,” last week at MLB headquarters when asked about Manfred’s plan, adding, “He knows my take, which is that at the very least, it needs to be an optional thing, but I’m going to leave it at that. But we’ve got a good board of directors at the YES Network, and we’ve got a good network, and we’re doing pretty good right now.”

Though the idea has its advantages, Hal Steinbrenner has no intention of giving up the Yankees’ local broadcast rights. The Yankees also have the majority ownership of the YES Network, which is one of the leading RSNs in the United States and produces a lot of revenue as well as offers the team a strong marketing tool. The Yankees are in a difficult situation as the team’s financial strength is based on the ability to capitalize on the YES Network. If a revenue-sharing system is put in place in the league, it may reduce their earnings and the freedom they enjoy when negotiating their broadcast contracts.

Manfred has argued that a unified system would help to update MLB’s media plan and make the sport relevant to a larger audience. The debate underscores a broader conflict between tradition and innovation. As MLB navigates the challenges of declining cable viewership, Steinbrenner’s opposition reveals a stark reality: Balancing the league’s collective goals with individual team interests remains a daunting task.

The future of fan engagement: blackouts vs. accessibility

Many MLB fans have expressed frustration about blackouts affecting their ability to stream games and watch their teams on regional sports networks (RSNs). This outdated system continues to be an annoyance for fans who have moved away from cable subscriptions to enjoy streaming services for their preferred content. Rob Manfred’s proposal to centralize media rights aims to eliminate these blackouts by creating a league-run streaming platform, allowing fans to access every game regardless of location. This would be a major step forward in improving accessibility and modernizing MLB’s fan experience.

However, there is a question as to whether such a concept can be implemented in a centralized system. Whether it can offer the same level of accessibility and tailored experience that is offered by RSNs currently. Pre- and post-game shows, exclusive interviews, and content that is relevant only for the Yankees fans are provided by channels like the YES Network. Thus, while a league-wide platform may open the doors for some, it may also lead to the standardization of the viewing experience and take away the local accent that is so beloved by true fans. MLB faces a tough balancing act: making games easier to watch while preserving the unique connection fans have with their hometown teams.

While Manfred’s proposal promises to resolve blackout frustrations and enhance fan access, it faces strong resistance from influential teams that rely heavily on the independence and revenue of networks like YES. Hal Steinbrenner’s call for an optional approach underscores the need for a solution that balances the league’s desire for modernization with the financial autonomy of its most successful franchises, ensuring the game’s growth while preserving the distinct connections between teams and their fans.