Red Sox seek MLB’s largest radio rights deal

The Boston Red Sox are seeking a new $12 million to $15 million per year radio rights deal that would be the most lucrative radio deal in MLB. If this deal cannot happen as demanded, they have hinted at joining other clubs who have bought their own radio station. Currently, St. Louis Cardinals have bought a piece of a radio station as the Los Angeles Angels have straight out bought their own station. The current radio rights deal, which expires at the end of this season, is held with Entercom’s WEEI-AM. WEEI has vaulted to the top of the local ratings since it was acquired by the Boston Red Sox in 1999. The Sox are looking to close the new deal or start shopping for their own station by the end of March.

The Red Sox currently are the majority owners of NESN, the team’s regional cable network, which gives them experience in the broadcasting field. Many factors are influencing their decision such as signal strength, financial condition, and local commitment with the Boston community will affect their decision.

The Sox are roughly on par with the $51 million, five-year deal that the New York Yankees have with WCBS-Am in New York, which is also set to expire after this season. Sources say that the Yankees also might be interested in owning their own station.