He envisions a future where consumers can purchase access to games they want to watch, regardless of their location, effectively eliminating blackout restrictions.

Major League Baseball (MLB) is currently facing significant complaints about its blackout policy, which restricts fans from streaming games in their local markets.

The rise of cord-cutting among consumers has intensified demands for MLB and other leagues to eliminate these broadcast blackouts.

However, transitioning away from blackouts is complicated due to existing broadcast contracts that enforce these limitations.

MLB is navigating shifts in local broadcasting, with some teams moving from regional sports networks to centralized streaming platforms that offer in-market streaming packages.

During a recent appearance on The Varsity podcast, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred expressed his desire for change, advocating for the conversion of local broadcast rights into national inventory.

Manfred argued that MLB already owns out-of-market rights and suggested that controlling local rights would create broader sales opportunities.