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MLB Opener on Netflix Sparks Fan Fury Over Paywalls
26 Mar
Summary
- Baseball fans criticized Netflix for streaming the MLB opener.
- Many fans refused to pay for another streaming service.
- This move mirrors similar fan frustration with other sports.
The start of the Major League Baseball season was met with widespread criticism due to its exclusive streaming on Netflix. Fans expressed significant disappointment on social media, with many feeling it was an "absurd marketing stunt." The broadcast was used to promote Netflix shows, including "Wednesday."
This decision sparked anger among baseball devotees, who were already contending with multiple streaming service costs, similar to NFL and NBA fans. Many fans reported refusing to watch rather than pay for subscription plans ranging from $7.99 to $24.99. Those with existing MLB.TV subscriptions, costing up to $150 per season, felt particularly aggrieved.
Fans directed their frustration towards MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, urging him to prioritize fan access. The inclusion of the New York Yankees in the opener, a team described as "America's favorite team," also added to the discontent for some, who felt the league made strategic choices that alienated its audience.
