Forum
Forum Navigation
PADRES' TV TO ESPN
#1 · August 22, 2025, 5:50 am
ESPN has acquired the broadcast rights to Padre game starting in 2026.
Major League Baseball and ESPN are seemingly going to continue their relationship but with a new shape. Andrew Marchand of The Athletic reports that the league and the network have an agreement in place which would give ESPN the right to sell all out-of-market games digitally. These rights have previously been sold by the league to consumers as the MLB.TV package. Under the agreement, ESPN will also acquire the in-market rights for the Diamondbacks, Guardians, Padres, Rockies and Twins. ESPN would also have an exclusive weekly game similar to Sunday Night Baseball, but on a different night of the week. The deal is not yet finalized but could be signed in September. It’s unclear how much ESPN would pay the league for this package but Marchand says it will be “substantial”.
The potential good for the Padres is more broadcast revenue ... starting in 2026 ... allowing for maintaining their high payroll levels. (no idea how much new revenue as yet).
Still a little known on the details but some speculation that Padres broadcast will be exclusive to the new ESPN app that was just launched ... not on "normal" ESPN channels or ESPN+. The new app is now at $29.99 / mo. Keep in mind that other streaming services (e.g. Netflix, Disney, etc) all started low then quickly started increasing in price.
No idea whether an ESPN run broadcast will impact the announcers or HOW the broadcasts are presented ... noting how ESPN has handled broadcasts when they now have games.
Since I am one of the old guys who still have cable with the Padres included ... this is a pure cost increase (unless Spectrum works a deal as they have with Peacock+ and Paramount+ without a price increase in the base package). Not sure the cost increase for those who current get the Padres by streaming.
For those of us who don't really watch much of ESPN even while included in the basic package ... pure cost hit (and inconvenience) to watch the Padres.
#2 · August 22, 2025, 6:12 am
Living in AZ, I buy the MLB package each year, a cost of about $180. I do have an ESPN package through Hulu, so it will be interesting to see how this plays out.
I do hope that they keep Don and Mud, along with all the camera men and production people as I think they put on one of the best broadcasts in the game.
fenn68 has reacted to this post.
fenn68
#3 · August 22, 2025, 6:31 am
No idea if this plays out in the future Padre broadcasts but part of the the new ESPN features will be links to betting sites / info, ability to jump from game to game, access stats, etc while the game is on plus a number of other interactive options.
For many that is going to be a great enhancement ... however, for me, I like a clean quality broadcast and all these "enhancements" ... especially if they are pushed into the broadcast (as with interviews during the play) ... actually is a negative.
A lot TBD.
BoosterSD has reacted to this post.
BoosterSD
#4 · August 22, 2025, 7:18 am
It seems the format would be for clubs to still have their own announcers for all games but the game of the week show, where ESPN would bring in their broadcast team. In that kind of scenario, we would still have Don and Mudly but probably just pay more for what is currently the MLB package.
I agree with Fenn that it is distracting to get all these gambling commercials plus game-hopping for little snippets of games that may of no interest to the viewer. However, if that is the price to pay for maintaining a competitive team because of some additional cash flow, then so be it.
By the way, isn't the naming rights for our stadium up for grabs in/after 2026? If so, an additional source of revenue but hate to lose the identity of PETCO - it seems so natural and fun to say. Motorola? TikTok? Just not going to be the same if PETCO doesn't get the deal.
#5 · August 22, 2025, 7:40 am
Quote from Randy Manese on August 22, 2025, 7:18 amIt seems the format would be for clubs to still have their own announcers for all games but the game of the week show, where ESPN would bring in their broadcast team. In that kind of scenario, we would still have Don and Mudly but probably just pay more for what is currently the MLB package.
I agree with Fenn that it is distracting to get all these gambling commercials plus game-hopping for little snippets of games that may of no interest to the viewer. However, if that is the price to pay for maintaining a competitive team because of some additional cash flow, then so be it.
By the way, isn't the naming rights for our stadium up for grabs in/after 2026? If so, an additional source of revenue but hate to lose the identity of PETCO - it seems so natural and fun to say. Motorola? TikTok? Just not going to be the same if PETCO doesn't get the deal.
Nothing like the "Welcome to Petco Park" announcement.
#6 · August 22, 2025, 8:06 am
I understand that ESPN (and other national sports producers) are in closer harmony with the younger (that is about every vs me) and what appeals to them (or at least what they believe does) but in a very self-serving view by me ... I just want to enjoy watching games and it does not sound as though the potential "enhancements" plus the added cost will even maintain my entertainment value. Have to see what evolves before any conclusion.
Yes, great the extra revenue will support a strong financial picture going forward for the Padres and Padres winning is a good outcome.
Sort of trapped in-between the choices ...
Side: is the radio deal up anytime soon ... as I recall during the last move the Padres had trouble finding a radio partner (and got a less than desirable deal). Given the team's success could be a better deal if opened up BUT if the radio listenership is not all that compelling the may not even get a radio partner. If no partner ... Padres could go with their own streaming app but that does cost in terms production so could be a loss. Just another unknown.
BoosterSD has reacted to this post.
BoosterSD
#7 · August 22, 2025, 10:21 am
Follow-up ... the radio deal with 97.3 FM in San Diego expires after the 2027 season ... so although not directly linked to the TV issue, there may be some reasons for change in who (or if) a station carries and for what price.
TV broadcasts will change in 2026
CBA will be re-negotiated after 2026
Likelihood of a 2027 work stoppage costing most of the 2027 season
Ballpark naming rights may change / be renegotiated
Radio rights re-negotiated after 2027
That is a lot of turmoil for the two years 2026-27 ... with no idea the ramifications of the results ... and ultimately the play of the field or the fan experience. Be prepared for a rocky ride.