Fans streaming Royals.TV angered & disappointed over new discount to watch games
Royals fans who bought the new streaming package through the MLB app may have wondered if they made a mistake after the team lost 16 of its first 23 games to start the season.
But the Royals have won eight of 10 games, and they are just 1 1/2 games out of first place in the American League Central.
In an effort to boost the number of people streaming games, the Royals are offering a special deal. Fans can subscribe to Royals.TV for just $44.99, which is half the cost to stream the final five months of the season.
MLB usually drops the price of a full-season subscription by $10 at the start of May. That’s what has happened with Cardinals, Reds, Brewers, Guardians and Marlins streaming costs.
Others to offer a bigger price decline include the Twins (now $44.99), Diamondbacks ($44.99), Nationals ($49.99), Rockies ($44.99) and Rays ($44.99).
The Royals’ offer is more than 50% off what fans paid for a full-season subscription ($99.99). The season is less than a quarter over, and those who spent the full amount to stream games are not happy to see a huge discount already offered.
Many want to be reimbursed and others planned to wait to subscribe next year.
“I paid $100 at the beginning of the year,” one fan wrote on X. “What are yall going to do for customers like me? Seems like a bad way to earn customer loyalty.”
Another noted the change to the broadcast crew: “These geniuses not only took @RexHudler1 out of the booth, now they’re giving a discount, after we’ve already coughed up $100…. I hate them.”
“I’ll take my $50 check whenever you want since I signed up at the beginning of the season. Thanks,” a third wrote. “Address should be on file.”
One fan pointed out a tactic others will likely follow next season.
“MLB local TV rights continue to be a mess. I paid full price before the season — only to see the price slashed a month in. So much for rewarding loyal fans,” he wrote. “If nothing else, this should motivate plenty of fans to sit out the first month of 2027 waiting for a similar price cut.”
Another wrote: “Hey man, I paid the full amount, this doesn’t seem right, I purchased early as you all asked. Now this? Wow.”
Here are other responses that didn’t include cursing.
