MLB finalized a new television rights deal that’ll reshape how fans watch baseball, with NBC, ESPN and Netflix splitting broadcast duties starting this season, according to The Athletic.
The restructuring comes after MLB and ESPN opted out of their deal three years early. While ESPN remains part of the package, the network’s losing its marquee programming as NBC takes over Sunday Night Baseball and the Wild Card Round.
It’s a major shift that’ll change where fans find their favorite games.
NBC Gets the Prime Real Estate
NBC’s paying about $200 million annually and getting the crown jewel – Sunday Night Baseball moves from ESPN to NBC after decades. The network also picks up the Wild Card Round, which ESPN had broadcast since the current playoff format started in 2022.
NBC gets the season opener too, broadcasting the Yankees-Giants game on March 26. Any NBC games that conflict with NBA or NFL coverage will stream on Peacock instead.
Peacock’s getting back its late Sunday morning game each week – that weekly slot had bounced from Peacock to Roku and now it’s heading home. NBC could also handle some special location games, though Netflix grabbed the Field of Dreams Game.
ESPN Trades Games for Streaming Rights
ESPN’s losing Sunday Night Baseball and the Wild Card Round, but the network still gets 30 exclusive weeknight games during the regular season. The real prize for ESPN though? MLB.tv rights.
That’s how MLB justifies keeping ESPN’s full $1.65 billion payment over three years despite giving the network fewer games. The $150 annual price for MLB.tv isn’t expected to change, and T-Mobile customers will keep getting it free. ESPN hasn’t decided how it’ll sell the service yet.
ESPN also picks up in-market broadcast rights for six teams whose regional sports networks collapsed: the Cleveland Guardians, Arizona Diamondbacks, Seattle Mariners, Minnesota Twins, Colorado Rockies, and San Diego Padres. MLB had been producing those local broadcasts after the RSN mess.
ESPN Radio keeps Sunday Night Baseball and the entire postseason.
Netflix Enters Baseball
Netflix is paying $50 million and getting some unique content. The streaming giant becomes the new home of the Home Run Derby and will broadcast special location games like the Field of Dreams Game in Iowa.
Netflix also gets the season opener between the Yankees and Giants on March 25. It’s unclear whether Netflix will air regular season games beyond the opener and special events, but it’s another step into live sports for the streaming service.
The deal reflects baseball’s push to diversify its broadcast partners as traditional television viewing habits shift. With NBC back in baseball for the first time since the 1980s and Netflix making it’s MLB debut, fans will need to adjust where they tune in for games.
All this comes as MLB heads toward what could be a contentious year with labor negotiations looming. At least now they know where the games will air – assuming their played.
