MLB expands coverage in China

20 October 2009 | Posted in Broadcast, Baseball | By Simone Walker

Major League Baseball International will increase its coverage in China with the signing of three additional broadcast partners.

New deals with Shenzhen TV and Jiangsu TV include the 2009 World Series, the 2010 MLB All-Star Game, 2010 World Series and episodes of the weekly highlights show, 'This Week in Baseball'.

An agreement with Beijing TV will broadcast the 2009 Fall Classic. MLBI already has existing relationships with Shanghai Media Group (SMG) and Guangdong TV which is one of the largest and most influential sports stations in southern China.

The new deals will see the 2009 World Series reach more than 250 million potential viewers across Beijing, Guangdong, Jiangsu, Shanghai and Shenzhento across five networks.

MLBI also has agreements with 50 television and radio partners to broadcast the American League Championship Series and World Series in 15 languages to 233 countries and territories around the world. MLBI will also broadcast games to nearly one million United States Armed Forces personnel stationed around the world and aboard US Naval ships-at-sea via the Armed Forces Network.

Paul Archey, senior vice president, International Business Operations, Major League Baseball, said: “The tremendous passion for baseball all across the globe is demonstrated by the interest in Major League Baseball games, especially the World Series. MLB is committed to baseball’s continued development and exposure, and we are extremely excited about our extended reach in China, as well as our partnerships with broadcasters around the world.”