ESPN is reportedly discussing the possibility of acquiring local rights to “Big Four” teams as part of its search for a strategic partner. Major League Baseball and ESPN have held preliminary discussions about distributing local games in select markets, The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday. The discussions are part of talks between ESPN parent company Disney and the “Big Four” sports leagues about potentially acquiring a stake in ESPN as part of a strategic partnership. One presumes that an ESPN partly owned by the leagues would not have to pay the going rate for local (or national) rights. Per the WSJ report, the strategic partnership discussions have already “intersected” with ESPN’s NBA media rights talks.

Source: Wall Street Journal August 03, 2023 20:20 UTC