US gives baseball to Facebook: Mets game Wed., April 4, 2018 can be viewed only on Facebook. MLB signed deal with Facebook global sports to stream 25 MLB games in 2018, says will be great for MLB global audience-NY Daily News, 3/9/18

3/9/18, "Facebook to exclusively stream 25 MLB games this season, starting with Phillies-Mets," NY Daily News, Evan Grossman

"MLB and Facebook reached an agreement to stream games on the social media site season, starting with Phillies-Mets on April 4. Facebook Watch will broadcast a total of 25 games this year, mostly on Wednesday afternoons, as part of MLB's first digital-only broadcasts.

"This partnership with Facebook reflects the ongoing commitment of Major League Baseball and our Clubs to connect with people around the world," Tony Petitti, Deputy Commissioner of Business and Media for Major League Baseball, said in a statement Friday. "It is a major creative step forward in serving our diverse, passionate community of fans, who will enjoy a uniquely interactive experience watching our games on Facebook each week."

First up will be the Mets and Phillies on the first Wednesday of the regular season. MLB will release the broadcast schedule a month at a time, to allow for more flexibility. Every MLB team has a certain number of national broadcasts they must be a part of each season, which will also dictate the rolling schedule.

As for the day and time, MLB selected mid-week afternoons to maximize the online audience. The thought is that most viewers are in front of a computer, most likely at work, in the middle of the week. The league is still working out the finer details, such as which announcers will be used on each game.

Game broadcasts will be produced by MLB Network and will feature a number of digital tools to enhance the viewing experience. Fans will be able to watch games on their mobile and desktop devices that have been designed for more immersive viewing, sharing and interacting consistent with the social media platform.
 
"We're excited to extend our partnership with Major League Baseball to make Facebook Watch a home for exclusive, live games every week this season," Dan Reed, Facebook's head of global sports partnerships, said. "Community and conversation are central to both baseball and Facebook, and MLB Network's innovative broadcasts will bring these interactive and social elements of the game to life to fans around the world in new ways on our platform."

Facebook has previously live streamed college football and UEFA Champions League games.

The first MLB broadcast will stream on Facebook Watch April 4 live from Citi Field. The remainder of the April schedule is as follows:

Wednesday, April 4: Philadelphia Phillies vs. New York Mets, 1:10 p.m.

Wednesday, April 11: Milwaukee Brewers vs. St. Louis Cardinals, 1:15 p.m.

Wednesday, April 18: Kansas City Royals vs. Toronto Blue Jays, 4:07 p.m.

Thursday, April 26: Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Philadelphia Phillies, 1:05 p.m."



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