The Atlanta Braves have found themselves with a golden opportunity by creating their own broadcast platform. BravesVision will allow Atlanta to control their own local telecasts this season, and fans could finally see their team on a nightly basis. We don't have any pricing for that platform just yet, so time will tell how accessible it really is. The idea of it is very exciting, however.
Braves chairman, president, and CEO of Atlanta Braves Holdings, Terry McGuirk, stated recently that the organization is confident in its ability to "produce, distribute, and deliver our games and additional Braves content in a way that is compelling and services our fans very well."
There is concern that leaving their previous distributor will sacrifice the possibility of a rights fee. Still, McGuirk thinks Atlanta will be fine compared to other teams due to the immensity of the Braves' broadcast territory. The Braves have a vast market that covers a majority of the Southeast, and this is a great advantage. McGuirk believes this will help Atlanta have a great "financial outcome."
Unfortunately, he is underestimating the fact that this could change in a few years.
Braves can leverage their reach for now when it comes to their new TV network, but expansion is a real threat to it's long-term viability
MLB has been looking to expand in the future, with Nashville and Charlotte being possibilities. This would absolutely eat into the size of Atlanta's viewing network should expansion be finalized.
While there would still be a good bit of fans viewing the Braves, it won't be as expansive as it was initially. Hopefully, McGuirk has considered this possibility. There are a lot of fans who will be happy to have a local team and root for them instead. Some lifelong Braves fans will continue supporting, but the allure of a local team is hard to ignore.
Fans can sign up to stream games using the Braves.TV streaming platform, and we will know the distribution information once deals have been completed. Atlanta has been in talks with Comcast, YouTube TV, Hulu, and more.