MLB plays hardball with cable Baseball close to exclusive deal with DirecTV By JOHN DEMPSEY-Variety Not sure if this would benefit those cable systems that don't carry the full load of MLS games. If they lose baseball, they might open up those channels for MLS. Although I think I've read most MLS cable packages share with NBA, NHL or college football. Thx, Jay!
Here in Columbus, our system (Time Warner) has it set up so that MLS 1-4 are the same channels as NBA 6-9. MLB has up to 14 channels, although that's only for part of the season since MLB shares with NHL. Usually it's more like 10. Now, if there were to be no MLB (that would suck since MLB spring free previews usually equal another week of free NHL), then I don't see why this couldn't happen. NBA 1-9 NHL 1-9 ESPN 1-6 (Why these aren't removed after March I have no idea. Too much clutter) MLS 1-6/7 on their own set, without having to share. And they'd still have a few extra channels they wouldn't need. Usually, there's no problem with MLS games on digital cable, but any removal of baseball would free up channels so that the few games that are delayed or JIP'ed every year could be shown live.