World Series Ratings: Games Matter More Than Markets

The World Series kicks off tonight on Fox
FOXA
. There has been much Sturm und Drang about the match-up – the Texas Rangers vs. the Arizona Diamondbacks – and how these two markets might impact the television ratings.

A typical response might be: “Who cares?” But for the discerning fan, who wants a healthy sport with valuable franchises and well-paid players, ratings are vital. Future television contracts, and thus future player contracts, are partially predicated on how many people tune in to watch the NL and AL pennant winners in a best-of-seven tussle.