Brewers and Rays prepare for small-market World Series

The Milwaukee Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays will face off in the World Series, marking the first time in two decades that the championship features two small-market teams. Their combined market size is 3.24 million TV households, slightly larger than the 2006 World Series matchup between the Tigers and Cardinals. Concerns have arisen regarding viewership, as smaller markets might lead to lower national TV ratings, despite the possibility of heightened local interest. Both teams lack a title, with Milwaukee seeking its first championship since 1982 and Tampa Bay still pursuing its first ever. Experts are skeptical about the relationship between market size and viewership, especially since historical ratings have shown varied results regardless of market size.

• 11:45 AMYahoo Sports — The World Series is getting a small-market showdown. Does size matter?