Major League Baseball has announced new three-year media rights agreements with ESPN, NBCUniversal, and Netflix, set to commence in the 2026 season. These deals will distribute MLB content across various platforms, enhancing fan access and expanding the league’s digital footprint.
The agreements stem from ESPN’s decision earlier this year to opt out of its “Sunday Night Baseball” package, which had been a staple since 1990. This move prompted MLB to engage in extensive negotiations with multiple media partners to restructure its broadcast strategy. The result is a diversified approach that leverages both traditional broadcast and emerging streaming services to reach a broader audience. Commissioner Rob Manfred emphasized that the partnerships provide a great opportunity to expand the sport’s reach through powerful destinations for live sports and entertainment.
Under the new arrangements, ESPN will transition from its long-standing Sunday night slot to a new role that includes the rights to MLB.TV, the league’s out-of-market streaming service. Additionally, ESPN secured a 30-game midweek package and will distribute MLB Network and in-market games for select teams, such as the Cleveland Guardians and San Diego Padres. This shift allows ESPN to maintain a significant presence in MLB coverage while adapting to changing viewer habits, with the new bundle costing approximately $550 million annually.
NBCUniversal, owned by Comcast, will take over the coveted Sunday Night Baseball games, marking its return to regular MLB broadcasts after a 25-year absence. The network will also air the entire Wild Card round, which consists of 8 to 12 games annually, across its broadcast channel, new cable sports network, and Peacock streaming service. This move strengthens NBC’s sports portfolio, which already includes NFL and NBA content, with the package valued at around $200 million per year.
Netflix, the global streaming giant, will enter the live sports arena by acquiring rights to high-profile MLB events. This includes the Home Run Derby for the next three years, a single game on Opening Night each season, and exclusive coverage of the 2026 World Baseball Classic in Japan. These additions, costing Netflix about $50 million annually, position the platform to attract sports fans and test its capabilities in live event broadcasting, reflecting a growing trend in the streaming industry.
Financially, the deals represent a mixed outcome for MLB. While the league secured partnerships with prominent platforms, it accepted a reduction in revenue for the Sunday night package compared to ESPN’s previous $550 million annual payment. However, the overall media revenue increases due to the inclusion of additional rights and services. The league’s strategy aims to balance immediate financial adjustments with long-term growth potential through expanded digital and international exposure.
The broader context highlights MLB’s strategic pivot ahead of its major rights negotiations in 2028, when current deals with Fox and Warner Bros. Discovery expire. By spreading content across multiple partners, the league aims to increase its reach and potentially command higher fees in the future. This approach mirrors trends in other sports, such as the NBA and NFL, which have seen significant revenue growth through diversified media deals, underscoring the evolving landscape of sports broadcasting.
For fans, the new agreements promise greater flexibility in how they watch games, with options ranging from traditional TV to streaming apps. However, the fragmentation could also lead to subscription fatigue if multiple services are required to access all content. MLB’s emphasis on innovation and accessibility, as noted by Commissioner Manfred, seeks to navigate these challenges while fostering a more engaged and widespread fan base in an increasingly competitive media environment.
