Part 2/9:
In a statement, ESPN expressed gratitude for its long-standing relationship with MLB while indicating that the decision followed careful financial consideration given declining viewership numbers. MLB, represented by Commissioner Rob Manfred, retaliated by claiming to have options that could meet their desired rights fees—a stark contrast to ESPN's decision. Manfred expressed dissatisfaction with ESPN's coverage of the league and emphasized the need for MLB to negotiate better terms moving forward.