In a surprising turn of events, DIRECTV has sent shockwaves through its customer base with the recent announcement of a price increase for the highly sought-after MLB Extra Innings Package.
This package, known for its extensive coverage of out-of-market MLB games, has been a favorite among sports enthusiasts. However, the previous price of $139.99 has been upped to $149.99 for the upcoming 2023 season.
This unexpected change has left many questioning the affordability of these sports packages and raises concerns about potential price hikes from other providers in the industry.
Key Takeaways
- The price of the MLB Extra Innings Package for the 2023 season has been raised by $10 to $149.99.
- MLB.TV, the league's streaming package for out-of-market regular season games, is included for free with DIRECTV's Extra Innings plan.
- Local blackouts still apply in both the MLB.TV and Extra Innings plans, meaning subscribers cannot watch their local market team with these subscriptions.
- The other providers (Comcast, Dish, Verizon, and Charter) have yet to begin selling their 2023 plans online, and it is unclear if they will also increase their rates.
The Increase in Price for MLB Extra Innings
With the recent price hike of $10, DIRECTV has increased the cost of the MLB Extra Innings package for the 2023 season to $149.99. This increase in price will have an impact on subscribers who enjoy watching out-of-market MLB games.
The higher cost may deter some customers from purchasing the package, as it represents a 7% increase from the previous season. However, there are alternatives for those who still want to watch out-of-market games. MLB.TV is the league's streaming package for out-of-market regular season games and could be a viable option for subscribers.
It is unclear if the price for MLB.TV for the 2023 season will also increase. Other providers such as Comcast, Dish, Verizon, and Charter have also offered the Extra Innings package in the past, but it is unknown if they will follow suit with a price increase.
Comparison With Last Season's Pricing
The cost of the MLB Extra Innings package for the 2023 season, currently priced at $149.99, represents a $10 increase compared to last season. This comparison with previous years has sparked mixed reactions among customers.
Some fans are expressing disappointment and frustration over the price hike, particularly as it comes at a time when many people are facing financial challenges.
On the other hand, there are also customers who understand that prices for sports packages can fluctuate from year to year. They may be willing to pay the higher price in order to have access to a larger number of out-of-market MLB games.
It remains to be seen how these customer reactions will impact the subscription rates for the MLB Extra Innings package in the upcoming season.
How to Order the Extra Innings Package
To purchase the Extra Innings Package, customers can place an order by contacting DIRECTV directly. Here is the ordering process:
- Contact DIRECTV: Customers can call DIRECTV's customer service number to inquire about the Extra Innings Package and place an order. The customer service representative will provide all the necessary information and guide customers through the ordering process.
- Provide Account Details: Customers will need to provide their account details, such as their DIRECTV account number and billing information, to complete the order.
- Confirm Order and Payment: Once all the necessary information is provided, customers will need to confirm their order and make the payment for the Extra Innings Package. The customer service representative will assist with the payment process.
Customer reactions to the ordering process may vary. Some customers may find it convenient to order directly from DIRECTV, while others may prefer alternative methods or platforms. It's important for customers to consider their preferences and needs before placing an order for the Extra Innings Package.
Other Providers Offering the Extra Innings Package
Comcast, Dish, Verizon, and Charter have all previously offered the Extra Innings package to their customers. This package allows baseball fans to access up to 90 out-of-market MLB games per week during the regular season.
However, it is important to note that the availability of the MLB Extra Innings package with these providers for the upcoming 2023 season is still uncertain. While DIRECTV recently announced a price hike for the Extra Innings package, the other providers have yet to release information regarding their pricing and availability.
Customer reactions to the price increase by DIRECTV for the Extra Innings package have been mixed. Some fans expressed disappointment and frustration over the higher cost, while others are still waiting to see if the other providers will also increase their rates.
Impact on the Inclusion of Mlb.Tv
DIRECTV's decision to raise the price of the MLB Extra Innings package for the 2023 season has raised questions about the future inclusion of MLB.TV in their offering. Here are three potential impacts on streaming options and customer reactions:
- Increased cost: With the price of the Extra Innings package going up by $10, customers may question the value of paying for both Extra Innings and MLB.TV. Some may opt to choose one over the other to save money.
- Streaming preference: The price hike might push customers towards MLB.TV as their primary streaming option, especially if they are already paying for a separate cable or satellite package. The convenience and flexibility of streaming on various devices may outweigh the benefits of the Extra Innings package.
- Customer dissatisfaction: Some customers who have enjoyed the inclusion of MLB.TV for free with the Extra Innings plan in previous years may be disappointed by its potential exclusion. This could lead to negative feedback and a decline in customer satisfaction.
As the 2023 MLB season approaches, it remains to be seen how DIRECTV will address the inclusion of MLB.TV and how customers will react to these changes in their streaming options.
Uncertainty Surrounding the Price of Mlb.Tv
What factors contribute to the uncertainty surrounding the price of MLB.TV for the 2023 season? There are several factors that contribute to the uncertainty surrounding the price of MLB.TV for the upcoming season. One factor is the impact on streaming device compatibility. MLB.TV can be accessed on more than 400 different streaming devices, including popular ones like Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. The price of MLB.TV for the 2023 season has not been set yet, so it remains unclear if there will be any changes in compatibility or if new streaming devices will be added. Another factor is the comparison with other sports streaming packages. It is uncertain how the price of MLB.TV will compare to other sports streaming packages, such as NFL Sunday Ticket or NBA League Pass. This uncertainty adds to the anticipation and speculation among fans who are eager to know the cost of accessing out-of-market MLB games for the 2023 season.
| Factors Contributing to Uncertainty | Impact on MLB.TV for 2023 Season |
|---|---|
| Streaming Device Compatibility | Unclear if there will be changes or additions to compatible devices |
| Comparison with Other Sports Streaming Packages | Unknown how price will compare to other sports streaming packages |
Blackout Restrictions and Local Market Limitations
Local market limitations and blackout restrictions impact the availability of MLB games for subscribers of MLB.TV and the Extra Innings package. Here are three key points to understand the impact on viewership and alternatives for local market viewers:
- Local blackouts: Subscribers of MLB.TV and Extra Innings cannot watch games involving their local team or teams. This restriction is in place to protect the rights of local broadcasters and encourage attendance at live games.
- Checking zip code: Viewers can determine if a game is subject to blackout restrictions by checking their zip code. This helps ensure that subscribers are only able to watch games that are outside of their local market.
- Alternatives for local market viewers: Local market viewers who want to watch their home team can explore other options such as subscribing to a local cable or satellite provider that carries the regional sports network broadcasting their team's games. They can also consider attending the games in person or listening to radio broadcasts.
It is important for subscribers to be aware of these limitations and explore alternatives to ensure they can enjoy MLB games to the fullest extent possible.
Features Included in Directv's Extra Innings Plan
One notable feature included in DIRECTV's Extra Innings plan is access to up to 90 out-of-market MLB games per week during the regular season. This package allows subscribers to watch games that are not available in their local market.
It is important to note that local blackout restrictions still apply, meaning that subscribers cannot watch their local team with this subscription.
In terms of streaming devices, MLB.TV, which is included for free with DIRECTV's Extra Innings plan, can be accessed on over 400 different streaming devices, including Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.
When comparing DIRECTV's Extra Innings plan with other sports packages, it offers a comprehensive coverage of MLB games, making it a popular choice among baseball fans.
However, customers should be aware of the recent price increase for the 2023 season.
Overall Implications for the 2023 MLB Season
The price hike for DIRECTV's MLB Extra Innings package for the 2023 season has significant implications for baseball fans and the overall viewing experience of the upcoming MLB season. Here are three key impacts on fans and the availability of MLB games:
- Financial burden: The $10 increase in the price of the Extra Innings package might deter some fans from purchasing it, especially considering that the previous price was already quite high at $139.99. This could limit the access of some fans to out-of-market MLB games.
- Alternative streaming options: With the rise in price for the Extra Innings package, fans may explore other streaming options such as MLB.TV, which offers out-of-market games as well. It remains to be seen if the price for MLB.TV will also increase for the 2023 season.
- Potential impact on providers: The price hike by DIRECTV raises the question of whether other providers like Comcast, Dish, Verizon, and Charter will also raise their rates for the Extra Innings package. This could have a broader effect on the availability and affordability of MLB games for fans across different platforms.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the recent price increase for DIRECTV's MLB Extra Innings Package has surprised and raised concerns among customers. The $10 hike from the previous season's pricing has led to questions about the affordability of these sports packages. It remains to be seen if other providers will follow suit and raise their rates as well.
Additionally, the inclusion of MLB.TV for free with the Extra Innings plan and the pricing for MLB.TV for the 2023 season are still unknown. These price changes highlight the ever-increasing costs associated with accessing out-of-market MLB games.
