MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred Details Interest in Fox RSNs

MLB commissioner Rob Manfred speaks with his deputy for media and business, Tony Petitti (right), and ESPN's Chris Berman (left) prior to World Series Game 7 in 2016. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)MLB commissioner Rob Manfred explained the rationale behind the league’s interest in acquiring a package of former Fox-owned regional sports networks in his most expansive comments to date.

While appearing at last week’s SportTechie State of the Industry conference, Manfred explained that Fox had been a good partner with similarly aligned objectives and that MLB likely wouldn’t be making this bid if Fox were to retain control.

A set of 22 RSNs are being spun off as part of Disney’s…