Time Warner Cable deal with Dodgers TV becomes official

Time Warner’s 25-year, $7 billion deal with the Dodgers will be official on Monday morning. The deal will create a sixth RSN for the L.A. market. Tentatively called SportsNet L.A., the channel is set to launch some time in 2014. TWC will not have an ownership stake in the channel, but rather will control all ad sales and affiliate sales.

TWC has already agreed to carry the channel in southern California and Hawaii. For now, it’s unclear exactly how much TWC will charge, but it’s projected to be one of the country’s most costly RSNs.

Executive VP and Chief Video & Content Officer Melinda Witmer said that even at such a high cost, the deal is worthwhile for TWC.

“Being able to secure the content for a very, very long time without the risk of third-party decision making around the rate of increases on the product is very helpful. We have an opportunity to secure content we want for a long time to come and to have control over our economic destiny.”

SportsNet LA is the working name for #Dodgers new television channel starting in 2014, per press release.—
Bill Shaikin (@BillShaikin) January 28, 2013

SBD: Dodgers today will announce the 2014 launch of SportsNet LA, the 6th RSN in the LA market. TW Cable will handle ad/affiliate sales.—
John Ourand (@Ourand_SBJ) January 28, 2013