Major League Baseball Finalizes $800 Million Annual Media Deals with ESPN, NBC, and Netflix
Major League Baseball secured new three-year media rights agreements with ESPN, NBC, and Netflix, totaling $800 million annually, significantly reshaping broadcast and streaming access for fans.
Overview
Major League Baseball has finalized new three-year media rights agreements with ESPN, NBC, and Netflix, collectively valued at approximately $800 million annually.
ESPN's reworked deal, contributing $550 million, now includes out-of-market streaming rights, but the network will no longer broadcast 'Sunday Night Baseball'.
NBC will become the new home for 'Sunday Night Baseball' and the Wild Card Series, also airing a prime-time game on Labor Day night as part of its $200 million contribution.
Netflix has acquired rights to stream the Home Run Derby, two additional games, and an annual MLB special event game, contributing $50 million to the overall deal.
These comprehensive media deals aim to expand MLB's reach across various platforms, offering fans diverse viewing options for regular season games and key events.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources cover the MLB rights deals neutrally, presenting factual information about the agreements, partners, and financial context. They include both positive aspects, like MLB's strong negotiating position, and potential future challenges, such as the upcoming labor dispute, without taking a definitive stance or using overtly biased language.
Articles (5)
FAQ
ESPN retains rights to approximately 30 national games, the MLB.tv out-of-market streaming package, and local streaming rights for six clubs (Diamondbacks, Twins, Guardians, Padres, Rockies, and Mariners). ESPN will no longer broadcast 'Sunday Night Baseball' but will continue airing postseason games, All-Star events, and related programming.
NBC will broadcast 'Sunday Night Baseball,' the Wild Card playoff series, and a prime-time game on Labor Day night. NBC's deal also includes streaming rights via Peacock, expanding its Sunday sports lineup.
Netflix will stream the Home Run Derby, two additional MLB games, and an annual MLB special event game, marking its most prominent entry into live sports broadcasting.
These deals expand MLB's reach across traditional broadcast, streaming, and digital platforms, offering fans more diverse viewing options for regular season games and marquee events. The league is also moving toward a more centralized and nationalized media strategy, with increased streaming access and regional realignment.
The new media rights agreements are set to take effect in 2026 and will run through the 2028 season, covering three years of MLB broadcasts and streaming events.
History
This story does not have any previous versions.