YouTube and MLB have announced the renewal of their partnership for the 2021 season for a third consecutive year. MLB Game of the Week Live on YouTube premieres on April 7 at 1 pm ET with the Tampa Bay Rays facing the Boston Red Sox. The series will include 21 games and a new broadcast feature “YouTube Player of the Game”, which will be voted on by fans.
Baseball fans can tune into each broadcast for free using any device including smart TVs by using the free YouTube app and streaming MLB’s YouTube channel.
“Our partnership with MLB is always a highlight on the sports calendar for us and 2021 is going to be our biggest year yet,” said Tim Katz, Head of Sports and News Partnerships, YouTube. “YouTube shows up for its partners when and where they need us by offering unique in-game features to engage fans of all ages across the globe. With two successful seasons under our belts, we look forward to delivering 21 games this season to fans who have come to expect our creative presentation that is both easy to access and engaging, and we look forward to taking it to even greater heights.”
This news comes after YouTube TV recently added MLB.TV to its Live TV lineup, just in time for opening day April 1. Now, YouTube TV subscribers can choose the MLB.TV add-on to get Live streaming access to all regular season out-of-market games. The add-on allows subscribers can stream every game, with the exception of ESPN, FOX, and MLB Network telecasts. All spring training games will also be available with the package.