The Toronto Blue Jays are on the verge of clinching a playoff spot, with celebrations expected to be lively if they secure their position this week. The team has captured the attention of fans across Canada, achieving significant viewership numbers on Sportsnet during what is shaping up to be their most successful season in a decade.

However, Canadian sports fans and Sportsnet may face a challenge if the Jays clinch on Friday. That night, the team is scheduled to play against the Kansas City Royals in the first game of a three-game series, which will also be broadcast on Apple TV. This streaming service was quietly added to the schedule last week, potentially overshadowing Sportsnet's coverage of the Jays' anticipated celebration.

The Jays are currently in a four-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays, which began on Monday. Depending on the outcomes of these games, the team could secure at least a wild-card spot by the weekend.

Sportsnet has been celebrating record viewership numbers this season, with a recent game against the Baltimore Orioles attracting 1.6 million viewers, marking a season high. This impressive figure was achieved despite competing with NFL broadcasts. The average audience for the weekend series against the Orioles was 1.45 million, making it the most-watched series of the year.

The excitement surrounding the Jays is also reflected in the packed crowds at Rogers Centre, which have been near capacity since August. Sportsnet has invested heavily in its broadcasts, featuring popular commentators Dan Shulman and Buck Martinez, and utilizing advanced production techniques, including drone cameras that capture stunning views of the stadium and its fans.

As the Jays approach the final weeks of the season and the playoffs, viewership is expected to rise even further. This Friday's Apple TV game will mark the Jays' fifth appearance on the streaming service this season, the maximum allowed. While not all teams reach this limit, the Jays' successful season has made them an appealing choice for Apple TV, which often sees a subscription boost during their games.

Fortunately for Sportsnet, they will retain the rights to broadcast Jays games throughout the playoffs, unlike in previous years when local broadcasts were sidelined by national networks. This change, implemented in 2020, allows Sportsnet to cover the team continuously, a situation that Martinez expressed gratitude for, stating, "It’s a wonderful thing to cover a team the whole season and not have to sit on the sidelines and watch somebody else broadcast your own team."

With the potential for a deep playoff run, Sportsnet could see record audiences for its coverage of the Blue Jays.