In a surprising move, Major League Baseball (MLB) made the decision to broadcast the highly anticipated Dodgers-Yankees matchup on three separate domestic networks, marking a shift in the league's broadcast strategy. This unprecedented move aimed to ensure a wider audience for one of the biggest matchups of the season.

The decision comes after MLB faced criticism in the past for exclusive deals with paywalled streaming services, causing a fragmentation of the audience. On Friday night, however, MLB took a different approach by simulcasting the game on YES and L.A.'s cable network, as well as on a previously exclusive paywalled streaming service.

The clash between Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge attracted a significant audience, with the game being simultaneously aired on various radio stations, including Japanese ones, in addition to the three U.S. TV networks. This made Friday's broadcast night at Yankee Stadium potentially the busiest in the history of all Yankee Stadiums.

The move to telecast the game on multiple networks was reportedly decided weeks ago, potentially inspired by the NFL's controversial decision to broadcast a playoff game exclusively on a pay streaming channel. That decision resulted in a significant loss of viewership for the NFL.

MLB, having learned from past mistakes when key matchups were only accessible to a limited audience, sought to avoid a similar fate by adjusting its existing deal with a streaming service. The league aimed to prevent the Dodgers-Yankees game, with its appeal to fans in the nation's two largest TV markets, from being reduced to a boutique viewership.

This shift in MLB's broadcast strategy reflects a recognition of the changing media landscape and the importance of maximizing viewership for marquee matchups. It is a step towards catering to a wider audience and avoiding potential criticism fueled by the perception of greed.

The consequences of MLB's decision to simultaneously broadcast the game on multiple networks remain to be seen. However, it highlights a willingness to adapt and make necessary adjustments to ensure that fans have greater access to premier matchups.

As MLB experiments with new broadcast approaches, it raises questions about the future of sports broadcasting and how fans will consume content in the digital age. This move could potentially set a precedent for other sports leagues to consider multi-platform broadcasts to reach a wider audience.

Baseball, a sport currently facing multiple challenges, including a decline in popularity and concerns regarding player injuries, must continually innovate to stay relevant and engage fans. The decision to broadcast the Dodgers-Yankees game on multiple networks signifies a step in the right direction, prioritizing the fans' experience and accessibility to the game they love.