MLB catching heat for rumored broadcast deal with Barstool Sports
By Staff
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MLB is receiving some backlash in regards to their rumored broadcasting partnership with Barstool Sports.
MLB has been trying for quite some time to broaden its appeal to younger audiences. Now, there are rumors that they are working towards creating a partnership with a rather controversial sports media outlet. Of course, we are talking about Barstool Sports.
According to Andrew Marchand of the New York Post, MLB and Barstool sports have had “significant negotiations about having national midweek games on the site’s platform.” Additionally, Marchand mentions that there is a possibility that the two could create a program with a focus on in-person gambling.
MLB catches heat for rumored Barstool Sports partnership
While Barstool does have a huge outreach for younger viewers, the sports media outlet has a reputation for being misogynistic and sexist at times. As a result of this, MLB has been catching heat on social media for their reported negotiations with Barstool.
MLB obviously wants to grow the game among young people, but choosing to partner with Barstool is a business decision that will actively push away some of the fastest-growing fan groups watching baseball https://t.co/SM92cLwj6B
— Joon Lee (@joonlee) August 9, 2021
"MLB and Barstool potentially could team up to create a new type of broadcast with a focus on in-game gambling."
— Craig Calcaterra (@craigcalcaterra) August 9, 2021
Every single thing this league does these days is shitty. https://t.co/PgKLzRgyS7
If MLB enters into a broadcasting deal with Barstool, it signals it's doubling down on its white, male viewership base. Serious desire of greater female and diverse viewership would mean not partnering with a media outlet known for misogyny and lacking racially diverse talent.
— Alicia Jessop (@RulingSports) August 9, 2021
can't believe the MLB is thinking of partnering with this https://t.co/MtnBuAtVZy
— Marlow Stern (@MarlowNYC) August 9, 2021
Me if I have to watch a barstool MLB broadcast pic.twitter.com/ywid1EGepe
— JD🤗 (@KeteIMarte) August 9, 2021
Reaching out to young people while aligning with Barstool is the perfect example of how MLB never misses an opportunity to take one step forward then two steps back. https://t.co/MP51yPXJhL
— Ethan Budowsky (@ethanbudowsky) August 9, 2021
I know many passionate baseball fans and most are women. They put up with a lot to continue enjoying the MLB.
— Apparently Adan (@Manic_Socratic) August 9, 2021
Teaming up with Barstool is unconscionable.
Just when you thought Major League Baseball couldn’t get any more reactionary or problematic: MLB x Barstool. https://t.co/9j3WL9yUoG
— Cousin P (@ColonelKSpeaks) August 9, 2021
When the league agreed to terms with ESPN on a new contract that kicks in next year, the network dropped “regular, non-exclusive Monday and Wednesday games,” per Marchand. As a result, they needed to find a partner to help broadcast those games, and based off Marchand’s reporting, it appears they may have found one in Barstool Sports.
However, Marchand states that MLB and Barstool Sports both declined to comment.
Sure, Barstool Sports does have a passionate and loyal fanbase, but they have outspoken critics as well that avoid their content at all costs. If this deal is to go through, we can only imagine what the fallout will be from a public relations standpoint.
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