Navigating the Shifting Landscape of Postseason Baseball Scheduling

The scheduling of playoff games in Major League Baseball has long been a topic of debate, with fans and executives grappling with the challenges of balancing viewership, time zones, and the demands of television partners. As the postseason unfolds, the decision-making process behind these game times has come under the spotlight, revealing the intricate considerations that go into maximizing the reach and engagement of the sport's most crucial moments.

Maximizing Viewership in a Shifting Landscape

Balancing Time Zones and Accessibility

The decision to schedule playoff games during the day has been a point of contention, particularly for fans on the West Coast who may find themselves tuning in during work or school hours. MLB's deputy commissioner for business and media, Noah Garden, acknowledges the ongoing debate, stating that the "numbers don't lie" when it comes to maximizing viewership. The goal, according to Garden and executives at MLB's broadcast partners, is to minimize overlap between games, allowing fans to watch as many contests as possible without having to choose.

The Collaborative Approach to Scheduling

The process of setting game times is a collaborative effort between MLB and its television partners, who pay significant rights fees to broadcast the postseason. Executives from networks like ESPN and Fox Sports work closely with the league to strategize the optimal scheduling, taking into account factors such as surrounding programming, time zones, and market size. This delicate balance is an ongoing discussion, with decisions often coming down to the wire as match-ups become clearer.

Adapting to a Changing Audience

As the media landscape continues to evolve, the executives involved in scheduling acknowledge the need to adapt to the changing preferences of the audience. Ashley O'Connor, vice president of programming and acquisitions for ESPN, emphasizes the importance of constantly evaluating whether the current approach is still serving the needs of the 2024 audience, rather than simply programming for the 2022 audience. This forward-thinking approach is crucial in ensuring that the scheduling of playoff games remains relevant and engaging for the modern fan.

The Influence of Market Size and Fanbase

While the size of a team's market is a factor in the scheduling equation, the executives involved caution against oversimplifying the process. Noah Garden notes that some "storied franchises have a tremendous amount of displaced fans," meaning that market size alone does not always dictate the priority given to a particular team or time slot. The goal is to reach the maximum number of fans, regardless of their geographic location or team allegiance.

The Business Realities of Scheduling

Ultimately, the scheduling of playoff games is not solely driven by a desire to spread baseball merriment far and wide. The television networks that broadcast the postseason have airtime to sell to advertisers, and the ability to deliver a distinct audience is crucial to their business model. As Noah Garden explains, "the last thing that our media partners want is overlap," as it can diminish their ability to attract the largest possible viewership for the games they have the rights to.

Balancing Priorities and Navigating Disagreements

While the executives involved in the scheduling process strive to maintain a collaborative and harmonious relationship, there are occasional disagreements and dust-ups. Patrick Crakes, a former Fox Sports executive, recalls instances where MLB's priorities, such as highlighting a particular storyline or team, would clash with the network's interests. These tensions are a natural byproduct of the complex and multifaceted nature of scheduling playoff games, as the league and its broadcast partners work to balance the needs of fans, advertisers, and the overall health of the sport.