Gray Media Launches 40-Game Free Cardinals Broadcast in 14 Midwest Markets
Gray Media and St. Louis Cardinals will air 10 regular-season games plus 30 spring training and minor-league contests free over-the-air across 14 Midwest markets from Feb. 23. Home Plate also offers next-day condensed replays at noon and 5 p.m. on Matrix Midwest, KMOV-TV and affiliates.
1. Partnership Launch
Gray Media has teamed with the St. Louis Cardinals to introduce Home Plate, a comprehensive free over-the-air programming package launching February 23. The initiative extends Gray Media’s sports portfolio through its Matrix Midwest and KMOV-TV platforms.
2. Programming Breakdown
Home Plate comprises eight spring training simulcasts, 10 live regular-season Cardinals games, at least 12 Memphis Redbirds AAA contests and 10 Springfield Cardinals AA matchups. Next-day condensed replays of each game will air at noon and 5 p.m. on Matrix Midwest.
3. Market Distribution
The full package will broadcast in St. Louis and Cape Girardeau, with select games on Gray Media stations across 13 additional markets in Missouri, Illinois, Tennessee, Arkansas, Iowa, Indiana and Kentucky. Affiliate listings will vary by region.
4. Commercial Implications
Offering 40 games free over-the-air could drive higher viewership and expand ad inventory across Gray Media’s networks. Increased regional engagement may bolster local advertising rates and strengthen the company’s sports broadcasting footprint.