Sports fans can now get their baseball and basketball fix directly from an Apple TV. On Wednesday, both Major League Baseball (MLB) and the National Basketball Association (NBA) announced subscription services that give fans access to both live and on-demand archived games in HD via streaming video to the second-generation Apple TV, which now appears to have custom "apps" specifically for the MLB and NBA.
Stream MLB on Apple TV+
Baseball fans can sign up for an $100 per year MLB.tv subscription to get access to spring training games as well as regular full season games in HD quality ("where available"). It also includes on-demand access to full archived games available from MLB.tv. A $120 per year premium subscription option also gets you access to both home and away broadcasts for your favorite teams.
Similarly, basketball fans can now access the NBA League Pass Broadband service directly from an Apple TV. A $65 option lets you follow up to seven of your favorite teams, while a $99 option lets you watch games from all 30 teams. Like MLB.tv, you get access to live and archived games.
It's worth noting, however, that both services have blackouts based on the address you use to register for the subscription. Be sure to read the fine print about blackouts, though—for instance, if you are a Cubs fan and live in the WGN broadcasting area, you won't be able to watch Cubs games live. You should still be able to watch the game on-demand within about 90 minutes, however.
Access to both MLB and NBA subscription services is enabled by the iOS for Apple TV 4.2 update, which Apple released alongside iOS 4.3. The update adds MLB.tv and NBA Game Time options under the Internet menu, where access to Netflix and YouTube is also found. Apple told Ars that both services will work similarly to Netflix—sign in with your account and password, and you can access whatever content your subscription allows. (MLB posted a "simulated user interface," below, which should look familiar to second-generation Apple TV users.) Ars also discovered that both "channels" give quick access to individual game rentals via iTunes for 99¢, even if you don't subscribe to either service. If you want to want games live, however, a subscription is required.
In addition to MLB and NBA content, the 4.2 update for Apple TV also adds improved AirPlay compatibility with iOS devices running the just-released iOS 4.3, Dolby Digital 5.1 output for Netflix streams, new photo slideshow themes, and an improved on-screen keyboard.
The addition of baseball and basketball subscription services to the Apple TV could potentially be a boon to sports fans who have been looking to "cut the cord" by canceling traditional cable services. Streaming video player maker Roku has offered similar MLB.tv access via its devices for some time, and recently added NHL and UFC options as well. BTIG analyst Richard Greenfield identified live sports as the main impediment for viewers looking to ditch increasingly expensive cable for streaming services late last year.
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