ESPN signs record international MLB deal

Sports broadcaster ESPN has extended its agreement with Major Legaue Baseball (MLB) in a deal reported to be worth in the region of US$5.6 billion (€4.5 billion) over eight years.

The deal, which runs from 2014 to 2021 covers rights for the US, Europe, Latin America, Caribbean, Middle East, Africa, Israel, Australia, New Zealand, Pacific Islands and cruise ships. The agreement means that ESPN America will continue broadcasting MLB coverage in more than 40 countries in Europe, reaching more than 19 million homes.

ESPN president John Skipper said, “We’re thrilled to renew our long-standing agreement with Major League Baseball into the next decade. It’s a great property. The enormous scope of what we acquired will provide fans with more live baseball and more ways to access baseball content than ever before.”