NEW YORK (AP) — An easing of blackout restrictions on Major League Baseball games online could come as early as next season, according to the head of baseball’s online business.

In an interview this week, Bob Bowman said he is optimistic that a deal could be reached soon with various cable operators, channels and ballclubs. The catch is that even with an MLB.TV subscription, which starts at $20 a month, fans will also need a cable or satellite TV subscription to view hometown teams at home.