Major League Baseball, DIRECTV Expand Pact

NEW YORK, March 9: DIRECTV has reached a deal with Major
League Baseball (MLB) that includes the launch of the MLB Channel, which the
platform will own a minority stake in, as part of its basic package.

DIRECTV will work with MLB to develop the network, which
will launch in 2009. The MLB Channel will be the first and only network
dedicated to providing baseball programming 24 hours a day, seven days a week,
on a year-round basis.

The seven-year alliance with MLB announced today also covers
the continued carriage of the MLB Extra Innings subscription package of
out-of-market games. The contract includes a proviso that other platforms that
carry the package—In Demand and DISH Network—should, in their contract
renewals, cough up an amount that is “proportionally equivalent” to DIRECTV’s
commitment. Should they decide not to match DIRECTV’s commitment, the package
will be exclusive to DIRECTV.

“With the advent of The MLB Channel, our new agreement with
DIRECTV will result in more MLB programming being available to more fans than
ever before,” said MLB’s president, Bob DuPuy. “The deal complements our deals
with FOX, Turner and ESPN for network game coverage and furthers MLB’s
initiative to continue to enhance fans’ viewing experience and reinvigorate our
telecasts with unique and innovative features.”

“Just as we did with NFL Sunday Ticket and NASCAR Hotpass,
DIRECTV will invest millions of dollars to deliver a spectacular fan
experience,” said Chase Carey, the president and CEO of DIRECTV. “DIRECTV will
offer more games in HD and apply its award-winning technology to MLB Extra
Innings broadcasts on an unprecedented scale, taking fans deeper inside the
game than ever before.”