In the letter, Manfred cited ESPN's lack of baseball coverage in its programming outside of the games as one of the reasons why he agreed to terminate the deal that was set to run through the 2028 season. However, CNN Sports' Kyle Feldscher reported that the breakup perhaps wasn't completely mutual.

Commissioner Rob Manfred acknowledges that MLB has a money problem. The Dodgers have been spending heavily, making it difficult for even the wealthiest franchises to keep up.