The MLB network took a major step in their programming coverage on Thursday, by launching an authenticated stream of its network for both computer and mobile access. Thus, becoming the first league-owned network to be fully accessible online. The streaming will include not only the MLB games, but viewers will also have the luxury of watching other baseball programming such as studio shows and original coverage.
Fans will now have 24/7 access to the MLB online stream. But, bad news for the cord-cutter viewers, in order to access the network stream you will need prove that you are a pay-TV subscriber. Via the At Bat App on MLB.com and MLBNetwork.com, the following U.S. TV providers will validate access to the stream: AT &T U Verse, Bright House Networks, Cable Vision/Optimum, Cox Communications, DirecTV, Time Warner Cable, and Verizon Fios. Two noteworthy cable providers missing from the arrangement are Comcast and Charter Communications.
Get The Latest Sports Tech News In Your Inbox!
Local blackout rules will still apply to programs streamed, but this is already the case for Television coverage on MLB Network, so this news is nothing new.
Once the users log on with their name and password to their provided cable subscription, they will have high definition streaming access to the MLB Network through both the MLB At Bat App or via MLBNetwork.com.
For some baseball fans this is crucial due to the fact that some viewers could not find out how to access MLB Network’s games via computer or mobile device. When remembering last year’s postseason, the streaming system was an absolute nightmare. Viewers often had to endure many obstacles to view only two division games on MLB.tv with an authenticated password.
MLB Network will debut its online streaming this Thursday night. This will include local coverage from the San Francisco Giants at the New York Mets, or the Boston Red Sox at Baltimore Orioles.