The Brief
Fans struggled to figure out how to watch the Seattle Mariners’ home opener Thursday night.
This year the Mariners are moving to a team-controlled and MLB-produced TV model.
However, due to last-minute negotiations, fans reported frustration and confusion about where and how to watch.
Where are the Mariners?
SEATTLE – If you struggled to find the Mariners’ season opener on your television, you weren’t alone.
Following down-to-the-wire negotiations for TV rights, many fans found themselves staring at blank screens instead of the first pitch.
Advertisement
Frustrated fans
Social media was fired up. Dozens of Mariners fans commented their confusion and frustration directly to the Mariners’ X account.
Seattle Mariners fans speak out against the team’s TV broadcast confusion.
What the Mariners are saying
What they’re saying
Kevin Martinez of the Mariners organization acknowledges the stress caused by the late-stage deals.
“We’re sorry it took so long. These things, these different negotiations with different distributors take time. They usually go up to the last minute. Unfortunately, they did. But everything is in place,” he said.
Despite the changes this year to what channel the Mariners air on, Martinez promises fans their games are still available the same way they were last year.
Advertisement
“If you watched on cable TV, it’s there for you. If you streamed Mariners baseball last year, there’s a streaming platform, Mariners.TV. If you watched on DirecTV, it’s there. Fubo, it’s there,” said Martinez.
How to Find the Games
What you can do
To help fans navigate the confusion, the Mariners have launched a dedicated website detailing every viewing option. If you are still unable to locate the game on your guide, the team suggests contacting your cable or streaming provider directly.
This Weekend’s Exclusive Schedule
What’s next
Adding to the complexity, two games this weekend will be held on national stages rather than local networks:
Advertisement
Friday: Exclusively on Apple TV+
Sunday: Exclusively on the Peacock App
When to Watch on FOX 13
Mark your calendars! The following four games will be broadcast exclusively right here on FOX 13 Seattle:
MORE MARINERS NEWS FROM FOX 13 SEATTLE
Seattle Mariners place Carlos Vargas on injured list, recall Cole Wilcox from Triple-A Tacoma
Seattle businesses feeling optimistic about Mariners season after Opening Day crowds
New Mariner Brendan Donovan eager to make impact in Seattle
Seattle Mariners turn 50: A look back at 5 moments that shaped the franchise
Mariners GM optimistic as team enters 50th season with high expectations
To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter.
Advertisement
Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.
The Source
Information in this story came from the Seattle Mariners and FOX 13 Seattle reporting.