The Dodgers and Time Warner Cable formally announced plans today for a regional sports network that will carry Dodger games and other team-related programming starting in 2014.
(Flickr: Brett.Wagner)
The network — known as SportsNet LA — will be run by a limited partnership called American Media Productions, a 2012 creation of the Dodgers ownership group.
“The launch of the new regional sports network is a historic development for the Dodgers and our passionate fans,” according to Stan Kasten, CEO of the Dodgers.
“Our commitment from day one has been to build the Dodgers into the best team possible, both on and off the field. Our fans deserve the best — the best players, the best baseball and the best experience — whether that’s at the newly renovated Dodger Stadium or on television,” Katsen added.
Some media reports have suggested the deal would bring the team $7 billion to $8 billion over 25 years.
Neither the team nor American Media Productions discussed financial details of the arrangement.
It was unclear how the addition of the network would affect rates paid by customers of Time Warner Cable, which will carry the network in Southern California and Hawaii.
“The Dodgers have one of the most passionate and loyal audiences in sports, and we look forward to helping deliver this new network to their fans,” according to David Rone, president of Time Warner Cable Sports. “This deal, like our Lakers’ deal, furthers our efforts to attain greater certainty and control over local and regional sports programming costs.”
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So, starting in 2014, the Dodgers are off TV, too. I’ve lost the Lakers; now the Dodgers. Having Time-Warner acquire broadcasting rights is equivalent to a black hole.