MLB takes over Padres broadcasts Wednesday after Bally misses payment
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By JOE REEDY
AP Sports Writer
Major League Baseball will take over broadcasts of San Diego Padres games beginning Wednesday after Diamond Sports missed a rights fees payment and let the grace period expire. Diamond Sports owns 19 networks under the Bally Sports banner. The Padres become the first team that MLB will take over production of its broadcasts. MLB set up a local media department during the offseason in case that scenario happened after Diamond Sports filed for bankruptcy in March. Games will be distributed via cable and satellite channels in the Padres’ home television market. There will also be a direct-to-consumer streaming offering via MLB.TV.