Major League Baseball has secured new three-year media rights agreements with ESPN, NBCUniversal, and Netflix, marking a significant shift in its broadcasting landscape. Announced on November 19, 2025, these deals will take effect starting with the 2026 season, following ESPN’s decision to opt out of its previous Sunday Night Baseball package.
The announcement was made by MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, who emphasized that these partnerships aim to expand the league’s reach through diverse platforms. The deals come at a time when MLB is navigating changes in media consumption and seeking to enhance fan engagement. This move aligns with broader trends in sports media, where streaming services are increasingly involved in live sports broadcasting. It reflects a strategic effort to balance traditional broadcast with digital innovation to capture a wider audience.
Under the new arrangement, ESPN will transition from its former Sunday Night Baseball slot to a package that includes 30 national midweek games and the rights to sell and distribute MLB.TV, the league’s out-of-market streaming service. ESPN will also handle in-market games for specific teams like the Cleveland Guardians and San Diego Padres, with the deal valued at approximately $550 million annually. This maintains its previous financial commitment despite the shift in content, ensuring continued coverage of key events like the Little League Classic and Memorial Day games.
NBCUniversal takes over the prestigious Sunday Night Baseball broadcasts, along with the entire Wild Card round and other special events, airing on NBC, its cable sports channel, and the Peacock streaming service. This package, worth around $200-300 million per year, positions NBC to feature MLB alongside its NFL and NBA coverage, creating a strong sports lineup for Sunday nights. Additionally, NBC will broadcast the MLB Draft and Futures Game, further integrating baseball into its sports portfolio.
Netflix, known primarily for on-demand content, will stream live baseball events for the first time, including the Home Run Derby, a single Opening Night game, and the Field of Dreams game. With a deal valued at about $35-50 million annually, this partnership allows Netflix to tap into live sports, building on its previous MLB documentaries and expanding its appeal to a global audience, particularly in Japan for the World Baseball Classic. MLB Network will assist in production, ensuring high-quality broadcasts for these marquee events.
Financially, MLB is facing a reduction in revenue for the Sunday Night package, with the combined NBC and Netflix deals totaling less than ESPN’s previous $550 million annual payment. However, the league gains flexibility and potential for broader reach through streaming. The overall media revenue might see a net increase due to the new ESPN bundle, but it highlights the challenges in maintaining growth amid shifting viewer habits and competition from other leagues like the NBA and NFL.
These agreements set the stage for MLB’s larger media rights negotiations in 2028, when deals with Fox and Warner Bros. Discovery expire. By testing new partnerships now, MLB can refine its strategy for future deals, potentially leveraging the success of streaming integrations to drive higher valuations. This approach mirrors trends in other sports leagues, which have seen significant revenue boosts in recent rights deals, emphasizing the importance of adaptability in a rapidly evolving media environment.
For fans, the changes mean more accessible and varied viewing options, with games available on traditional broadcast, cable, and streaming platforms. The inclusion of Netflix could attract younger audiences, while ESPN’s continued involvement ensures stability. As the 2026 season approaches, these deals are expected to enhance MLB’s presence in the evolving media landscape, balancing tradition with innovation to foster long-term growth and engagement across diverse demographics.
