SportsNet Pittsburgh to remain television home of the Pirates

The Pirates settled perhaps their most-pressing, off-the-field matter on Wednesday, when they announced that SportsNet Pittsburgh -- formerly known as AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh -- will remain the team’s home for regionally televised games. What’s more, the Pirates announced that they have entered into an agreement to jointly own the network with the Pittsburgh Penguins, beginning on Jan. 1, 2024. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The daily operations of SportsNet Pittsburgh will continue to be managed by the New England Sports Network (NESN), and fans will once again be able to watch Pirates games on their favorite cable, satellite or streaming provider.

“Above all else, this was the right thing to do for our fans,” explained Pirates president Travis Williams. “From the outset of this process, the most important thing to us was to ensure that they have the same level of access to Pirates game telecasts and the same high-quality production that they enjoy today.

“This agreement accomplishes that and more as we enable Pittsburgh sports fans to continue to enjoy a two-team, 24/7 sports channel.”

The Pirates also reported that the on-air talent fans are accustomed to will remain largely unchanged. The crew in the broadcast booth will continue to work directly for the team. Meanwhile, SportsNet Pittsburgh is expected to announce details of expanded pre- and postgame coverage soon, lending to the possibility of additions to the in-studio team.

“We are thrilled that the Pirates are joining the SportsNet Pittsburgh partnership,” said NESN president & CEO Sean McGrail. “Over 150 Pirates games, in addition to the Penguins telecasts, makes SportsNet Pittsburgh a must-have sports destination for Pittsburgh fans.”

In 2023, the Pirates saw several positive signs in terms of fan engagement. Attendance at PNC Park increased nearly 30% over the previous season, and television viewership saw a similar spike. According to Williams, the Pirates experienced the second-highest increase in TV ratings in MLB and finished the season with the sixth-highest average among all 30 teams.