MLB is digging deeper to grow its roots in Mexico, announcing that the league is not only creating a permanent operational presence in the country, via MLB Mexico, but also locked in an extension with Televisa to bring the sport to fans across the country with an extended broadcast agreement through 2018. The announcement comes ahead of this weekend’s two-game exhibition series between the Astros and Padres in Mexico City with MLB Mexico also headquartered in the capital. Rodrigo Fernandez was named MLB Mexico’s first employee and will serve as managing director. Meanwhile, the Televisa deal will include a national MLB Game of the Week as well as games on Monday nights, at least one game on either Tuesday or Thursday night on their all-sports channel Televisa Deportes Network as well as the 87th MLB All-Star Game and the postseason, including the 112th World Series.
“Commissioner Manfred’s vision for globalizing baseball cannot become a reality without localizing MLB in Mexico,” said Chris Park, MLB SVP for growth, strategy and international. “Our local fans and partners are part of our core community, and Rodrigo Fernández understands how best to serve them. The Mexico City Series, MLB Festival at Zocalo, and Televisa’s MLB Game of the Week open what will be a very active inaugural year for MLB Mexico.”