Major League Baseball may not yet be ready to play ball but ESPN said on Monday it would provide Americans with their baseball fix after reaching a deal to broadcast Korean Baseball Organization (KBO) games.
With MLB shutting down Spring Training due to the novel coronavirus outbreak, America’s national pastime has been put on hold as league officials mull over numerous scenarios to get back onto the field as stay-at-home restrictions begin to ease across the United States.
Until then, the KBO will fill the gap with ESPN broadcasting six games per week, starting with Tuesday’s season opener between the NC Dinos and Samsung Lions.
The deal includes the postseason and the Korea Series best-of-seven championship.
All games will be played in empty stadiums without fans.
“The KBO League is one of the greatest baseball leagues with world-class players and many exciting initiatives,” said KBO commissioner Chung Un-chan in a statement.
“During this unprecedented and difficult time, I hope the KBO League can bring consolation to the communities and provide guidelines to the world of sports. (Reuters)