Netflix has announced a landmark partnership with Major League Baseball (MLB) to stream live games, beginning with Wednesday night's Opening Night fixture between the New York Yankees and San Francisco Giants. The deal includes three marquee events: the Opening Night game, the Home Run Derby, and the Field of Dreams game scheduled for 13 August, featuring the Minnesota Twins and Philadelphia Phillies.
This move mirrors Netflix's strategy with the NFL, where it first secured documentary rights before acquiring live games. The streaming giant is reportedly paying an average of $50 million per season over three years for worldwide exclusivity of these MLB events, following the cancellation of ESPN's rights deal in February.
Brandon Riegg, Netflix’s vice president of nonfiction series and sports, explained the company's approach: “This is in with our event strategy. On Opening Night, there’s only one game, and it’s on Netflix. And then doing the Home Run Derby and Field of Dreams, we can capitalise on the renewed fandom and energy around baseball.” He added that the limited commitment offers flexibility for talent and helps attract new viewers.
The Opening Night broadcast will be produced by MLB Network, with play-by-play from Matt Vasgersian and analysis from CC Sabathia and Hunter Pence. Former ESPN host Elle Duncan will lead pre-game and post-game coverage, joined by legends Barry Bonds, Albert Pujols, and Anthony Rizzo. The game also marks the MLB debut of San Francisco manager Tony Vitello.
Netflix already holds rights for the 2027 and 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup and previously streamed the World Baseball Classic in Japan. This latest deal underscores its growing presence in live sports broadcasting.
