ESPN, MLB reach pact to sell all out-of-market games, The Athletic says

Major League Baseball and Disney’s (DIS) ESPN have struck a framework deal that would give the sports network the exclusive rights to sell all out-of-market regular-season contests digitally and in-market games for five teams over the next three years, The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand reports, citing sources briefed on the discussions. As part of the agreement, ESPN would still broadcast roughly 30 regular-season games, just not “Sunday Night Baseball,” as the company would move to a different night of the week, the author says, noting the deal would start next season. The agreement has not yet been inked, and it’s finalization is not anticipated until next month, the author says, noting that while it is not yet known what amount ESPN will pay, it is expected to be “substantial.”