I don't understand MLB blackout rules at all

[Warner2BruceTD]

I live in College Station, and my local FOX is out of Waco. I am in the Astros blackout territory for MLB.tv and Extra Innings.

Tonight, the Astros fall into the FOX national window. My Waco affiliate is showing Yankees/Tigers. FSN Houston is not showing the Astros game because it's part of the FOX window. So despite being in the Astros blackout zone, which is designed to protect the Astros, the Astros game will not be shown at all here due to blackout rules.

Huh?

I'm sure the Houston FOX affiliate is showing the Astros game, but Waco is under no obligation which I guess means that despite being located smack dab between the two cities, College Station Astros fans (and this is an Astros town, with some Rangers) are beat, despite blackout rules otherwise protecting the team at other times. I dont get it.

[Goober]

I'm sure the Houston FOX affiliate is showing the Astros game, but Waco is under no obligation which I guess means that despite being located smack dab between the two cities, College Station Astros fans (and this is an Astros town, with some Rangers) are beat, despite blackout rules otherwise protecting the team at other times. I dont get it.

They're probably not. It's the same thing in Wisconsin. The Brewer game isn't on tv at all, because of Fox's lame rules.

[NAHSTE]

It's FOX that's the problem. They have a sweetheart deal that gives them exclusivity for whatever reason. It will be like that until their contract is up for re-negotiation.

As for why FOX chooses to saturate us with Yankees games every week is a question you'd have to ask them.

[Warner2BruceTD]

Although I don't agree with it, I understand why MLB protects FOX. They pay a lot of money for the exclusivity.

But with that said, the affiliates should be forced to show the teams within their blackout zones if those teams happen to be playing. Waco should be forced to show Astros tonight, and Wisconsin should always get the Brewers.

[NAHSTE]

Although I don't agree with it, I understand why MLB protects FOX. They pay a lot of money for the exclusivity.

But with that said, the affiliates should be forced to show the teams within their blackout zones if those teams happen to be playing. Waco should be forced to show Astros tonight, and Wisconsin should always get the Brewers.

Agree 100%.

[Warner2BruceTD]

Provided the game is sold out, you would never see the NFL deny home fans of a home town game. And I think we can agree that the NFL does a fairly decent job marketing their product.

[Goober]

Shit just needs to hit the fan.

If Shaun Marcum threw a no hitter tonight, and no one. Absolutely no one was able to watch the game, the fan backlash would be pretty bad.

[Rudi]

I haven't been home to check yet but the Reds better be on FOX for me. They were last week so I'm assuming they will today.

[Goober]

I haven't been home to check yet but the Reds better be on FOX for me. They were last week so I'm assuming they will today.

I get Cubs vs. Giants. Fuck yeah!

[NAHSTE]

Shit just needs to hit the fan.

If Shaun Marcum threw a no hitter tonight, and no one. Absolutely no one was able to watch the game, the fan backlash would be pretty bad.

You mean like when Philip Humber threw a perfect game a month ago? That was pretty bad.

[Goober]

You mean like when Philip Humber threw a perfect game a month ago?

That was on tv for local fans. The Brewer game today is completely blacked out.

[Rudi]

According to the506.com [awesome website by the way, always has NFL regional maps as well] Waco will have the Reeds/Astors game

[Youk]

Curious to see if you ended up with Houston or NYY.

I hate when the Yankees are on FOX. I can watch them anytime on YES (though I don't...), so I'd rather see even a shitty fucking game between two different teams.

Thank god for MLB.tv on weekdays.

[RyanLeaf16]

I got NYY/Det down here in Tampa, but, the Rays were on the local FOX Sports network w/a 4p start. MLBN is showing the Rangers/Angels right now if you want something different.

[Goober]

Curious to see if you ended up with Houston or NYY.

I hate when the Yankees are on FOX. I can watch them anytime on YES (though I don't...), so I'd rather see even a shitty fucking game between two different teams.

Thank god for MLB.tv on weekdays.

He was at the game.