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Shaikin: Might MLB have to sacrifice World Series TV revenue in exchange for competitive balance?

The 2024 World Series pits two underdog franchises against each other for the first time in years, as the Tampa Bay Rays and Milwaukee Brewers—both chasing their first championship—clash starting Friday. Neither team has ever won a title, and their combined market size pales in comparison to past Fall Classic matchups like the 2024 Dodgers-Yankees series, which drew nearly double the viewership of the 2023 Diamondbacks-Rangers finale.

With MLB’s broadcast revenue heavily reliant on national TV deals—including Fox’s $5.1 billion, seven-year contract expiring in 2028—the league faces a potential trade-off: prioritizing competitive balance by spotlighting smaller-market teams over the guaranteed ratings boost of marquee franchises. Industry experts, including former Fox Sports Networks president Bob Thompson and sports media consultant Ed Desser, note that while teams like the Yankees and Dodgers generate passionate fan engagement—even among haters—there’s no comparable built-in interest for the Rays or Brewers.

The question now is whether MLB’s push for parity could cost it billions in long-term broadcast revenue, especially as regional sports networks decline and national packages dominate earnings.

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