MLB Network Secures Agreement With Verizon FiOS TV

Verizon FiOS TV Also to Carry ’MLB Extra Innings Package’

NEW YORK - Major League Baseball and Verizon announced Monday (Nov. 10) that MLB Network and the MLB Extra Innings Package will be offered on Verizon’s FiOS TV service as a result of new multiyear agreements.

MLB Network will be available to all Verizon FiOS TV customers as part of the Essentials and Extreme HD packages on Channel 86, when it debuts Jan. 1, 2009. Verizon also will offer a high-definition (HD) simulcast of the MLB Network on Channel 586. MLB Network -- which will air live games, original programming, highlights, classic games and coverage of baseball events -- is expected to be available to approximately 50 million homes on TV systems across the country, the largest launch in cable history.

In addition, Verizon and Major League Baseball have entered into a new multiyear agreement to provide the MLB Extra Innings package on FiOS TV, offering baseball fans up to 80 out-of-market Major League Baseball games per week. The two agreements mark the first television arrangements between Major League Baseball and Verizon.

“We are looking forward to launching MLB Network on Verizon FiOS TV, which is the fastest-growing television provider in the country,” said Tony Petitti, MLB Network president and CEO. “MLB Network will offer baseball fans an insider’s perspective that has never been seen before. This partnership further expands on our ability to bring the ultimate coverage of the national pastime to fans on a 24 x 7 basis.”

Terry Denson, vice president - FiOS TV content and programming, added, “Verizon FiOS TV is the best place to watch sports. Baseball fans will be able to keep up with their favorite teams and rivalries, with access to 80 games from around the country each week. And FiOS TV’s stunning rock-solid picture will make fans feel like they’re sitting right behind home plate.”

Chris Tully, Major League Baseball senior vice president, broadcasting, said, “The MLB Extra Innings package plays a key role in our continuing effort to provide fans around the country with access to as many MLB game telecasts as possible. Adding Verizon FiOS TV to our roster of MLB Extra Innings distributors provides our fans with more choice in accessing the package.”

MLB Network and the MLB Extra Innings Package join Verizon FiOS TV’s extensive channel lineup, which offers customers more than 400 total channels, including a growing number of HD channels, with 100 HD channels already available in most markets. FiOS TV also offers more than 11,000 video-on-demand titles each month - 8,500 of which are free of charge.

Verizon, the nation’s fastest-growing television service provider, delivers FiOS TV over the country’s most advanced fiber-optic network straight to customers’ homes and businesses. Verizon’s FiOS TV service was selected as the top-ranked residential television service provider in the Northeast region by J.D. Power for 2008. FiOS TV is currently available to more than 8.2 million homes in 14 states: California, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Virginia and Washington.

The MLB Extra Innings agreement is subject to ratification by the Major League Clubs.

About MLB Network
Projected to launch in approximately 50 million cable and satellite homes on January 1, 2009, MLB Network will be the largest and most successful debut in cable television history, exceeding any other cable television launch by approximately 20 million. With live games, original programming, highlights, classic games, and coverage of baseball events, MLB Network will be the ultimate destination for baseball fans on television. For more information on Major League Baseball and MLB Network, log on to www.MLB.com or www.MLBNetwork.com.

About Verizon
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ), headquartered in New York, is a leader in delivering broadband and other wireline and wireless communication innovations to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers. Verizon Wireless operates America’s most reliable wireless network, serving nearly 71 million customers nationwide. Verizon’s Wireline operations include Verizon Business, which delivers innovative and seamless business solutions to customers around the world, and Verizon Telecom, which brings customers the benefits of converged communications, information and entertainment services over the nation’s most advanced fiber-optic network. A Dow 30 company, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of more than 228,000 and last year generated consolidated operating revenues of $93.5 billion. For more information, visit www.verizon.com.