SNY delivers live New York Mets in-market games to the MLB App

SNY has become the 22nd MLB local broadcaster to introduce a direct-to-consumer (DTC) streaming option, while the Mets are now the third team to provide a standalone in-market streaming service. Notably, this marks the first time a third-party streaming service is available directly through the MLB App.

This integration will enhance SNY’s accessibility, allowing fans to bundle the service with MLB.TV, which offers out-of-market games from across the league. Live Mets broadcasts will also feature the same innovative streaming enhancements found in other MLB App matchups.

These enhancements include highlights, player statistics, pitch tracking, and full-game replays. Additionally, by leveraging MLB’s platform, SNY can reduce its technology overhead, as MLB manages product development across multiple devices.

MLB has expressed an interest in launching a centralized in-market streaming service in the near future. This service could be integrated into MLB.TV or distributed wholesale to an existing streaming provider, similar to how the National Hockey League (NHL) collaborates with ESPN+.

“MLB has actively collaborated with various sports media entities to expand the reach of games and reduce local blackouts where possible,” stated Kenny Gersh, MLB executive vice president for media and business development. “With SNY’s high-quality production and top-tier broadcasting talent, alongside the excitement surrounding the 2025 Mets, we are excited to provide Mets fans in the tri-state area with this new streaming option.”

Meanwhile, two other New York-based regional sports networks, YES Network and MSG Networks, have launched the Gotham Sports App, a separate DTC platform that combines local broadcasts of the Mets’ cross-town rivals, the New York Yankees, along with the NHL’s New York Rangers, New Jersey Devils, New York Islanders, and Buffalo Sabres, as well as the NBA’s New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets.

MLB’s local broadcasting division, established following the financial challenges faced by Diamond Sports Group (DSG), currently manages production for four teams. DSG, now rebranded as Main Street, offers a direct-to-consumer version of the FanDuel Sports network, while several other teams provide streaming services—some requiring a cable subscription for access.

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Like many MLB teams, the New York Mets greatly benefited from the RSN model, with SNY securing substantial carriage fees from pay-TV providers. However, the industry-wide transition from traditional cable to streaming has disrupted this model, particularly as RSNs demanded high carriage fees and restricted live broadcast availability, making them largely inaccessible without cable.

As the number of pay-TV subscribers declines, SNY aims to provide cord-cutters with an affordable option to watch Mets games while increasing the team’s overall visibility—an essential factor for both the franchise and its commercial partners.

Given that the Mets are SNY’s sole major league property, a direct collaboration with MLB is a logical step. For MLB, this partnership serves as a valuable test case as the league seeks to consolidate and centralize more of its media rights to drive revenue growth.

Despite the prestige of the World Series, MLB faces challenges in attracting a broad national audience. The league’s extensive game schedule makes it difficult to establish marquee matchups, and most fans prefer to follow their local team. While MLB’s national profile is rising due to recent rule changes and the emergence of young stars, its national broadcasting rights remain a tough sell.

For instance, ESPN is reportedly considering opting out of its $500 million-per-year contract for Sunday Night Baseball.

If MLB successfully aggregates the local rights of multiple teams, it could bundle national and local games together—offering streaming services the kind of compelling content that attracts subscribers while boosting overall media revenues.