Major League Baseball (MLB) just made a big announcement about new media deals with NBC, Netflix, and ESPN. These agreements will roll out starting in 2026 and are expected to change how fans watch the game.
So why does this matter? Well, ESPN decided to drop its Sunday Night Baseball package, leading to a new arrangement. NBC will now host Sunday games, while Netflix gets the next three Home Run Derbies. This shift highlights how leagues are adapting to new viewing habits.
Rob Manfred, MLB’s commissioner, said, “Our new media rights agreements provide us with a great opportunity to expand our reach to fans.” This is crucial for MLB as it prepares for a more significant TV deal in 2028.
The league’s revenue from TV deals saw a dip. ESPN’s previous contract was worth about $300 million a year. Now, NBC is paying around $200 million for its new package, and Netflix will pay $50 million annually for the Home Run Derby. Combined, this still falls short of what ESPN was handing over.
Interestingly, the average viewership for ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball was 1.8 million last season. This indicates a solid base of fans who are tuning in, but the league needs to think creatively to grow future revenue.
Looking at other sports leagues provides some context. The NBA recently tripled its national media revenue in its latest deal, while the NFL expects a huge jump in earnings by renegotiating contracts sooner. This puts pressure on MLB to innovate and offer engaging content to attract viewers.
ESPN’s new deal allows them to sell MLB.TV, enabling fans to stream games directly through the ESPN app. They’ll also introduce a midweek package of 30 live games. Meanwhile, NBC is setting itself up as a powerhouse with MLB, NBA, and NFL games on Sundays.
For its part, Netflix will have a unique role, with rights to a pivotal game on Opening Night each year and all 47 games of the 2026 World Baseball Classic. This move aims to broaden the league’s audience, especially among younger viewers who prefer streaming.
These media deals reflect the changing landscape of sports broadcasting. As leagues shift their focus to streaming, it’s crucial to keep fans engaged through innovative content and diverse viewing options. MLB is clearly aware of this and is setting the stage for a new era in how the game is consumed.
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