MLB makes watching baseball a little more difficult with loss of YouTube TV

After last season’s debacle where in a case of seppuku-like self-harm, the MLB missed most of spring training due to their own hubris, they tried to win fans back by offering the most varied and simple viewing options ever.

Announcing a raft of streaming options via ESPN, YouTubeTV, and their own platform, MLB Network, it seemed to be working. Fans largely forgave the league and signed up for their own preferred contract, having been promised by MLB that the full season and post season would be available.

Then, just as the playoffs heated up, the decision was made to pull the plug. International streaming was cut off in all cases, leaving thousands of fans out of pocket without so much as a “by-your-leave”.

Now they have done it again.

After failing to reach an agreement with YouTubeTV, MLB is cutting the cord, leaving those who have “cut the cord” with even fewer alternatives.

In an email sent by YouTubeTV to subscribers, the company said, “We apologize for the news and will continue conversations with the MLB to advocate on your behalf, in the hope of restoring their content on YouTube TV.”

Streaming TV viewers who want access to MLB Network can still subscribe to Sling TV, Vidgo, Fubo TV, and Hulu.

Here is the full text of the email from YouTube TV:

We have been working hard to renew our deal with the MLB Network to continue carrying their content on YouTube TV. However, we have been unable to reach an agreement, and starting today, January 31, 2023, MLB Network content will no longer be available on YouTube TV. You will also lose access to any previous Library recordings from this channel. Members will be able to continue watching select national MLB games via coverage on FOX, ESPN, and TBS through our Base Plan. We also provide the flexibility to pause or cancel your membership anytime.

As always, thank you for being a YouTube TV member, and for your patience and understanding.

Sincerely,

The YouTube TV team