Why Blue Jays-Tigers game isn't on Sportsnet but only on Apple TV

TL;DR

The Toronto Blue Jays game against the Detroit Tigers will not be available on Sportsnet and is exclusively broadcast on Apple TV in both the U.S. and Canada.

Key points

Blue Jays game against Tigers not on Sportsnet
Game exclusively on Apple TV
Available in both U.S. and Canada

Toronto Blue JaysDetroit Tigers

Why Blue Jays-Tigers game isn't on Sportsnet but only on Apple TV originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Toronto Blue Jays seized some momentum earlier this week on Daulton Varsho's thrilling walk-off grand slam.

For fans in Canada hoping to watch them back on the field Friday night against the Detroit Tigers, though, there'll be some serious disappointment. The game isn't on Sportsnet.

The game is being broadcast exclusively on Apple TV, in both the United States and Canada.

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Fans weren't thrilled:

It's a bit of a unique situation, because Sportsnet normally isn't impacted by potential national broadcasts in the U.S., but this case is different.

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Why isn't Blue Jays-Tigers on Sportsnet?

The key variable here is the way MLB's deal with Apple TV is set up for these Friday night games -- they're exclusive broadcasts.

And since Apple TV is available in both the U.S. and Canada, the league evidently set up the contract in a way that the local broadcasts for the Tigers and the Blue Jays both can't have their own broadcasts.

Sportsnet got out in front of it with this post on X on Friday:

So the best option for Canadian fans hoping to listen to local broadcasters is the radio.

Otherwise, they'll need a subscription to Apple TV.