It may be hard to imagine a situation where a Major League Baseball team doesn’t have a television home on Opening Day. While that isn’t the case yet, fans of the Cleveland Guardians are still left in the dark as to where they can watch their favorite baseball team beginning on Thursday.
Joe Noga of the Cleveland Plain Dealer is reporting today that, with Opening Day quickly approaching, MLB still hasn’t revealed which cable systems or channels will carry Guardians games.
This uncertainty stems from MLB taking over the production and distribution of the team’s games after Diamond Sports Group cut ties last year.
Despite the delay, the Cleveland Guardians told Noga that they expect Major League Baseball to finalize an agreement for broadcast rights and distribution before Opening Day. Furthermore, the team stated that, more than likely, a deal will be reached with their existing partners—where fans have consistently found games in recent seasons.
According to the report, Guardians officials have been asking for fans’ patience, emphasizing that MLB is working diligently to resolve the situation. However, if no resolution is reached, the only way to watch games beginning on Opening Day will be through the Guardians’ website, where a subscription will cost $99.99 for the full season or $19.99 per month.
“As soon as we have finalized agreements, we will announce via email and social channels,” said Curtis Danburg, Guardians Vice President, Communications & Community Impact. “Fans can visit CLEGuardians.com/watch to check for updates on viewing options and channel specifics.”
As for the broadcast team, the only confirmed details so far are that Matt Underwood, Rick Manning, and Andre Knott will return to the television booth for their 11th consecutive season calling Guardians baseball.
Additionally, home game broadcasts will feature a 30-minute pregame show hosted by Al Palowski alongside Chris Gimenez. Meanwhile, a rotating group of former Cleveland players—including Cody Allen, Ben Broussard, Nick Goody, Austin Jackson, and Jason Kipnis—will serve as analysts.
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