NFL is a locally watched sport, with people following their nearest team. most teams (with the exception of the yankees, red sox, cubs & dodgers) have few fans outside of their area. the games are on the local (fox) station, or the club's own station which is pushed out through the local cable provider. there isn't a demand to watch the mariners six times a week across the country. therefore, midwest FSN would gain little from blacking out the pirates games in california nfl blog.