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MLB Owners Propose Centralized Media Rights, End Blackouts

6/5/2026

Summary

Story summary

MLB owners have offered a proposal to end the TV-rights system that creates blackouts if players accept a cap.
Commissioner Rob Manfred said centralizing media rights would reduce focus on territories and add flexibility, while interim union head Bruce Meyer said blackouts stem from the league’s media-rights structure, not player control.
The league began this year streaming all 30 teams via a subscription, with Los Angeles Dodgers supporting the plan.

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Story summary

MLB owners have offered a proposal to end the TV-rights system that creates blackouts if players accept a cap.
Commissioner Rob Manfred said centralizing media rights would reduce focus on territories and add flexibility, while interim union head Bruce Meyer said blackouts stem from the league’s media-rights structure, not player control.
The league began this year streaming all 30 teams via a subscription, with Los Angeles Dodgers supporting the plan.