In a landmark move for sports broadcasting, Major League Baseball has unveiled a transformative three-year media rights package with ESPN, NBC, and Netflix, collectively valued at nearly $800 million per year. The announcement on Wednesday signals a strategic pivot for America's pastime, bringing it to new platforms while reinforcing traditional partnerships.
Averting Crisis: How ESPN's Reworked Deal Benefits Both Sides
Just nine months after ESPN triggered fears of a separation by opting out of its previous rights deal in February, the network has secured a renegotiated agreement that ultimately serves both parties better. ESPN will pay $550 million annually, losing postseason games and the Home Run Derby but gaining something potentially more valuable for its digital future.
The broadcaster becomes the new rights holder for MLB.TV, giving it control over out-of-market streaming through the ESPN app. Additionally, ESPN secures in-market streaming rights for six teams produced by MLB: San Diego, Colorado, Arizona, Cleveland, Minnesota, and Seattle. While losing 'Sunday Night Baseball,' ESPN will still broadcast 30 games, primarily on weeknights during summer months.
This marks the second major league to have its out-of-market digital package hosted on ESPN's platform, following the NHL's move in 2021.
NBC's Baseball Homecoming and Netflix's Sports Ambitions
In a significant return to baseball coverage, NBC/Peacock becomes the new home for 'Sunday Night Baseball' and the Wild Card round as part of its $200 million per year agreement. The network, celebrating its centenary next year, has a storied history with baseball dating back to 1939, though its involvement has been limited in recent decades.
NBC's first broadcast will be on March 26 when the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers host the Arizona Diamondbacks. The 25 Sunday night games will air mostly on NBC with some on the NBC Sports Network, all streaming on Peacock. This addition gives NBC year-round Sunday night sports programming, complementing its NFL coverage since 2006 and new NBA Sunday night slate debuting in February.
Meanwhile, Netflix enters Major League Baseball with a $50 million annual deal, aligning with its strategy of acquiring major sporting events. The streaming giant will broadcast the Home Run Derby and two additional games, including the season opener on March 25 featuring Aaron Judge's New York Yankees visiting the San Francisco Giants. Netflix will also stream the MLB at Field of Dreams game in Iowa on August 13 between Minnesota and Philadelphia.
Broader Implications and Future Negotiations
Commissioner Rob Manfred successfully maximised rights for premium events like the Home Run Derby and Wild Card Series through these negotiations. The deals establish a framework for future media rights discussions as Manfred aims to shift MLB toward a more national broadcasting approach, reducing reliance on regional sports networks.
The announcement carefully navigates existing relationships with other rights holders. MLB continues to receive $729 million annually from Fox and $470 million from Turner Sports under deals expiring after 2028. Apple TV maintains its 'Friday Night Baseball' package that began in 2022.
This three-partner agreement represents one of the most significant redistributions of baseball broadcasting rights in recent memory, potentially setting new precedents for how sports leagues package and sell their content in the streaming era.
