Extra Innings Package, Wishing Cable would do the same for the NFL so EVERYONE can get these packages!



IN Demand to match DirecTV's offer for 'Extra Innings' package


March 21, 2007
CBS SportsLine.com wire reports


NEW YORK -- Baseball's "Extra Innings" package of out-of-market games might wind up staying on cable television

N Demand said Wednesday it will offer to match the terms of DirecTV's $700 million, seven-year deal with Major League Baseball on behalf its owners, who are affiliates of the companies that own Time Warner, Comcast and Cox cable systems.

As part of the offer, iN Demand also said it would carry The Baseball Channel when it launches in 2009 to at least the same number of subscribers who will get the channel on DirecTV.

"As the current home for 'Extra Innings' for more than 200,000 cable subscribers, we have extended ourselves to do our best to be able to continue to provide this package to baseball fans and our customers," iN Demand president Robert Jacobson said. "This offer meets all the conditions set forth by MLB last week. "

Bob DuPuy, baseball's chief operating officer, said he would have to find out details of iN Demand's offer before commenting.

"Extra Innings" had more than 500,000 television subscribers last year plus about 60 percent more on MLB.com, the sport's Web site.

EchoStar Communications Corp.'s Dish Network also has carried the "Extra Innings" package. There was no immediate word whether Dish also would match the offer.

IN Demand is owned by Time Warner Entertainment-Advance/Newhouse Partnership, Comcast iN Demand Holdings Corp and Cox Communications Holdings Inc.
AP NEWS
The Associated Press News Service

Copyright 2005-2006, The Associated Press, All Rights Reserved

DuPuy just said that cable didnt match ALL the terms of the contract, so MLB wouldnt accept the current offer. Sounds fishy to me, and i think baseball is scrweing over the fans. I'm betting MLB is going to do everything possible to keep Extra Innings OFF of cable. Why? Then they can make people purchase MLB.tv online. !@#$s.

Unbelievable.

I really hate Selig right now...and the NFL...I know, I know..they are in the business to make $...but cmon now....why cannot they come up with a deal for BOTH DirecTV and cable so EVERYONE can get the packages here?

Makes me feel like all the $ Ive spent on both the NFL and MLB is no good, I live in a 2 bedroom apartment that will not allow a satellite dish, so I am not worthy to follow and watch a sport I have watched closely for 25 years. Ok, I got the memo.

What a joke.

Anyone want my fantasy team? I do not even feel like following MLB anymore.

I hardly get to watch Baseball so it really doesn't affect me. I heard that you can still watch the games on MLB.com.

Yes it will.

Big update on this story. Looks like cable subscribers have been placated. John Kerry is good for something!

That and Heinz ketchup!!! (Glad to see MLB came to its senses)

I am back!!!