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10/22/2007 4:01 PM ET MLB International and Shanghai Media Group bring World Series to China Landmark cable television deal extends through the 2009 season

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"As we continue our efforts to expand the game of baseball and the MLB brand in China, it is vital that we have the necessary partners in place to display the excitement of the game at its highest level," said Paul Archey, Senior Vice President, International Business Operations, Major League Baseball. "This partnership with the Shanghai Media Group provides MLB with a greater platform to showcase its jewel events and deliver comprehensive coverage of the MLB season to a growing baseball nation."

The agreement was launched in July with coverage of the 2007 All-Star Game and has continued throughout the second half of the 2007 Championship Season on a weekly basis with a China-specific edition of "This Week in Baseball." Produced and aired by SMG, the show includes a weekly recap of MLB action and features segments entitled "Baseball Basics" and "Baseball in China" that highlight the most important elements of the game and provide viewers with in-depth coverage of the local baseball scene. "This Week in Baseball" will continue to run through the end of the postseason in its normal time slot on Fridays at 6:30 P.M. The World Series, MLB All-Star Game and "This Week in Baseball," will air on Great Sports through 2009.

"As a leading professional sports channel, Great Sports is always delighted to work with giant international sports associations and organizations," said Mr. Xu Sai, Chief Director of Great Sports Channel, SMG. "We are so pleased to be the long-term partner of MLB, one of the world's largest sports leagues, and hope this cooperation will bring more exciting and wonderful sporting events to Chinese viewers."

SMG will initiate its coverage of the 2007 World Series on Great Sports with Game One on Thursday, October 25 at 8:00 A.M. (Shanghai local time). Overall, the 2007 World Series will be broadcast in 229 countries and territories and in 13 different languages via the MLBI world feed.

About MLB International
Major League Baseball International (MLBI) focuses on the worldwide growth of baseball and the promotion of Major League Baseball and MLB Club trademarks and copyrights through special events, broadcasting, market development, licensing and sponsorship initiatives. MLBI is committed to showcasing the world's best baseball talent through international events around the globe. Broadcast in 229 countries and territories, Major League Baseball game telecasts are re-transmitted in 13 different languages. MLBI executes and supports game development programs targeting players and coaches from grassroots to elite levels. With an extensive list of marketing partners worldwide, MLBI continues to grow its position as a leader in the international marketplace. MLBI is supported in its mission through presences in Beijing, New York, London, Sydney and Tokyo.

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