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Major League Baseball said today it is partnering with Cablevision and the New York Yankees cable network, YES, to offer live games online in the team's local market.

"These agreements are an important part of our global effort to give fans greater access to our game," said Baseball Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig.

Allan Selig

"It is important that fans in local markets have portable flexibility to stay connected to their favorite team if they can't be at the ballpark, and I believe this represents a significant step in that direction."

Under the deal, Cablevision Internet customers who receive the Yankee's YES network will be able to buy a package to see the games live online. The offering will be implemented through authentication process managed by Cablevision and the interactive media arm of Major League Baseball.

The Yankees on YES package is available for $49.95 for the rest of the season or $19.95 for any 30-day period. The service will launch on Wednesday, July 8 at 8:00 p.m. (EDT) with the YES Network's Yankees Twins broadcast.

Major League Baseball was the first professional sports league to make every game available for out-of-market fans in 2003 and has served over 250 million live streams since that time. It marks the first time live games will be available online to fans living in a home team territory.

Major League Baseball said a second live streaming deal is expected to be announced next week.