XM Signs MLB Deal October 20, 2004 -- New York and Washington -- Major League Baseball and XM Satellite Radio announced an 11-year, $650 million agreement enabling XM to broadcast games of every Major League Baseball (MLB) team nationwide beginning with the 2005 regular season. XM, with more than 2.5 million subscribers nationwide, will be the official satellite radio network of MLB. "This is the crown jewel -- the deal that we've been waiting for," said Hugh Panero, CEO of XM Satellite Radio. "Major League Baseball is America's national pastime and a natural fit with XM. MLB has the broadest appeal of any major sport. People of all ages are baseball fans, from children to grandparents. Baseball is also a sport ideally suited for radio, given its natural pace and the ability to vividly describe each play." "This agreement between Major League Baseball and XM Satellite Radio is a significant step forward in providing baseball fans greater access to more games in more locations," said Baseball Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig. "This partnership will add to the continuing growth and popularity of our game. It is a further example of the renaissance that exists in baseball today." XM will have rights to use the Major League Baseball silhouetted batter logo and the marks of the 30 MLB Clubs. XM also will develop specific programming content that showcases Major League Baseball, its teams, and its personalities. In addition to broadcasting live games, XM will create a Major League Baseball radio channel featuring original content and classic Major League Baseball game broadcasts. As Major League Baseball enjoys strong support from its Hispanic fan base, XM also will broadcast select games in Spanish.
