FiOS Gets MLB

NEW YORK -- Major League Baseball and Verizon announced Monday (Nov. 10) that MLB Network and the MLB Extra Innings Package will be offered on Verizon's FiOS TV service as a result of new multiyear agreements.ultimate coverage of the national pastime to fans on a 24 x 7 basis."

MLB Network will be available to all Verizon FiOS TV customers as part of the Essentials and Extreme HD packages on Channel 86, when it debuts Jan. 1, 2009. Verizon also will offer a high-definition (HD) simulcast of the MLB Network on Channel 586. MLB Network -- which will air live games, original programming, highlights, classic games and coverage of baseball events -- is expected to be available to approximately 50 million homes on TV systems across the country, the largest launch in cable history.ultimate coverage of the national pastime to fans on a 24 x 7 basis."

In addition, Verizon and Major League Baseball have entered into a new multiyear agreement to provide the MLB Extra Innings package on FiOS TV, offering baseball fans up to 80 out-of-market Major League Baseball games per week. The two agreements mark the first television arrangements between Major League Baseball and Verizon.ultimate coverage of the national pastime to fans on a 24 x 7 basis."

"We are looking forward to launching MLB Network on Verizon FiOS TV, which is the fastest-growing television provider in the country," said Tony Petitti, MLB Network president and CEO. "MLB Network will offer baseball fans an insider's perspective that has never been seen before. This partnership further expands on our ability to bring the ultimate coverage of the national pastime to fans on a 24 x 7 basis."

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE: VZ)