In 2023, Apple plans to offer more Major League Baseball content
This year’s ‘Friday Night Baseball’ games will be exclusive to Apple TV+ subscribers, with additional content and a refreshed on-air team.
In a recent announcement, tech giant Apple unveiled its plans to expand its Friday Night Baseball program for Apple TV+. The move is an effort to tap into the live sports streaming industry, a sector that has seen tremendous growth in recent years. Last year, Apple made its first foray into live sports, offering some games for free to users.
However, this year, only subscribers to the streaming service will have access to the games.
Apple’s Friday Night Baseball will mark the start of the 2023 season on April 7 with the Texas Rangers taking on the Chicago Cubs. This will be followed by the San Diego Padres facing the Atlanta Braves. The company is looking to make the experience more engaging and enjoyable for its viewers by shaking up its broadcast booths this year.
The play-by-play duties will be handled by Wayne Randazzo and Alex Faust, supported by analysts Dontrelle Willis and Ryan Spilborghs, and sideline reporters Heidi Watney and Tricia Whitaker.
The pre-and post-game shows will once again be hosted by Lauren Gardner, who will be joined by Siera Santos as a co-host. Xavier Scruggs and Matt Joyce will serve as analysts alongside journalist Russel Dorsey, bringing a wealth of expertise and insights to the coverage. In addition to the familiar faces, two former Major League umpires, Brian Gorman and Dale Scott, will join the broadcast team to provide an in-depth analysis of the league’s new rules this season.
Apple TV+ subscribers will not only have access to live games but also other MLB content, including recap shows, condensed games, and the return of the popular “whip around” show, Big Inning. The company is also introducing a “My Sports” section within Apple News, allowing users to stay up-to-date with the latest sports news and information. Apple Music will feature playlists with the walk-up songs of all the players featured in that week’s games, making the experience even more immersive for fans.
Moreover, Apple has announced that DirecTV will provide the games for its network of bars, restaurants, hotels, and other venues, expanding the reach of its live sports coverage. The move is expected to create new revenue streams for Apple and generate excitement among fans of the game. With the company’s continued focus on providing high-quality sports content.
“We can’t wait for Friday Night Baseball to start up again, and we’re excited for fans to experience everything new we’re bringing this season,” said Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior VP of Services. “Apple TV+ truly has something for everyone, from two live baseball games every Friday night, to an incredible slate of award-winning original films and series — there’s never been a better time to sign up.”