MLB Announces New Rights Deals With Fox, Turner

Major League Baseball officially announced its new eight-year media rights deal with Fox and Turner, securing its national TV partners through the 2021 season. The league renewed its agreement with its other national broadcast partner, ESPN, in August. The current deals end after next season. The league will earn a combined $12.4 billion over the eight years, between Fox, Turner and ESPN, a more than 100% increase. Reports state that Fox will pay $525 million per year and Turner will fork over $325 million yearly. Fox Sports Media Group will keep its rights for the World Series, All-Star Game and doubles its Saturday "Game of the Week" slate from 26 to 52, two per Saturday. Of those 52, 45 will air in Fox's exclusive Saturday window. In addition, Fox will gain rights to two of the four division series.