Yankees–Red Sox ‘Big Game’ on Apple TV+ Draws Criticism Over Limited Access

Major League Baseball’s decision to present Friday night’s marquee matchup between the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox as an Apple TV+ exclusive prompted renewed criticism Friday, with a New York Post columnist lampooning the move as a marker of how access to big games is narrowing.

The Post column argued that the MLB-designed “big game” being available only on Apple TV+ will leave “hundreds and thousands of baseball fans” unable to see the contest, and framed the change as part of a broader shift in how marquee sports content is distributed. The columnist used a sardonic tone to describe adopting a more accepting disposition toward the trend while criticizing the practical effect on viewers.

The exclusive stream is a continuation of a strategy in which leagues and rightsholders make select high-profile games available only on streaming platforms under national rights agreements. Those arrangements have drawn scrutiny from viewers and columnists alike, who say they can limit access for people who do not subscribe to the chosen services or who prefer traditional broadcast and cable options.

MLB has scheduled a number of national showcase games in recent seasons for distribution on digital platforms, a shift driven by the league’s media deals and by streaming companies seeking live sports as a way to attract and retain subscribers. Teams in large television markets such as New York and Boston frequently draw national attention, increasing the commercial value of their matchups.

Critics say the trend has practical consequences for fans who rely on over-the-air broadcasts or regional sports networks, as well as for casual viewers who might not have multiple streaming subscriptions. Supporters of exclusive streaming deals point to the revenue they generate for leagues and teams and to the investments streaming platforms make in production and distribution.

The Post column’s commentary joins a broader public debate about the balance between maximizing media rights revenue and maintaining broad public access to high-profile sporting events. As leagues continue to negotiate with a mix of traditional broadcasters and streaming services, questions about accessibility, cost and the future of how fans watch live sports remain central to discussions among fans, media companies and the teams themselves.