MLB Partners with XM Satellite Radio for 11-year Agreement
New York, N.Y and Washington, D.C., October 20, 2004 -- Major League Baseball and XM Satellite Radio [Nasdaq: XMSR] today announced an 11-year, $650 million agreement enabling XM to broadcast games of every Major League Baseball (MLB) team nationwide beginning with the 2005 regular season. XM, with more than 2.5 million subscribers nationwide, will be the official satellite radio network of MLB.
'This is the crown jewel - the deal that we've been waiting for,' said Hugh Panero, CEO of XM Satellite Radio. 'Major League Baseball is America's national pastime and a natural fit with XM, the national leader in satellite radio. MLB has the broadest appeal of any major sport. People of all ages are baseball fans, from children to grandparents. Baseball is also a sport ideally suited for radio, given its natural pace and the ability to vividly describe each play.'
'This agreement between Major League Baseball and XM Satellite Radio is a significant step forward in providing baseball fans greater access to more games in more locations,' said Baseball Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig. 'This is a wonderful opportunity for Major League Baseball given XM's ever-increasing national availability. Our fans will be able to listen to the local broadcasts of their favorite teams from anywhere in the country. This partnership will add to the continuing growth and popularity of our game. It is a further example of the renaissance that exists in baseball today.'
As the official satellite radio network of Major League Baseball, XM will have rights to use the Major League Baseball silhouetted batter logo and the marks of the 30 MLB Clubs. XM also will develop specific programming content that showcases Major League Baseball, its teams, and its personalities.
XM to Create Major League Baseball Channel
In addition to broadcasting live games, XM will create a Major League Baseball radio channel featuring original content and classic Major League Baseball game broadcasts. As Major League Baseball enjoys strong support from its Hispanic fan base, XM also will broadcast select games in Spanish.
'Baseball has enormous appeal, not only to its millions of fans, but to automobile manufacturers as well, which will help further strengthen XM's leadership position in the automotive market,' Panero concluded.
For further information contact Major League Baseball at mlb.com.
'This is the crown jewel - the deal that we've been waiting for,' said Hugh Panero, CEO of XM Satellite Radio. 'Major League Baseball is America's national pastime and a natural fit with XM, the national leader in satellite radio. MLB has the broadest appeal of any major sport. People of all ages are baseball fans, from children to grandparents. Baseball is also a sport ideally suited for radio, given its natural pace and the ability to vividly describe each play.'
'This agreement between Major League Baseball and XM Satellite Radio is a significant step forward in providing baseball fans greater access to more games in more locations,' said Baseball Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig. 'This is a wonderful opportunity for Major League Baseball given XM's ever-increasing national availability. Our fans will be able to listen to the local broadcasts of their favorite teams from anywhere in the country. This partnership will add to the continuing growth and popularity of our game. It is a further example of the renaissance that exists in baseball today.'
As the official satellite radio network of Major League Baseball, XM will have rights to use the Major League Baseball silhouetted batter logo and the marks of the 30 MLB Clubs. XM also will develop specific programming content that showcases Major League Baseball, its teams, and its personalities.
XM to Create Major League Baseball Channel
In addition to broadcasting live games, XM will create a Major League Baseball radio channel featuring original content and classic Major League Baseball game broadcasts. As Major League Baseball enjoys strong support from its Hispanic fan base, XM also will broadcast select games in Spanish.
'Baseball has enormous appeal, not only to its millions of fans, but to automobile manufacturers as well, which will help further strengthen XM's leadership position in the automotive market,' Panero concluded.
For further information contact Major League Baseball at mlb.com.