Major League Baseball (MLB) has announced new media rights agreements with ESPN, NBCUniversal, and Netflix for the next three seasons. Netflix’s deal, valued at approximately $50 million annually, will bring live MLB games to its platform, expanding the streaming service’s sports content library. The arrangement includes streaming a single game on Opening Night each season, the Home Run Derby, and a yearly special event game, such as the ‘Field of Dreams’ game scheduled for August 13th, 2026, between the Minnesota Twins and Philadelphia Phillies.
Under the multi-network agreement, NBCUniversal gains the Sunday Night Baseball game rights, draft coverage, and additional game broadcasts on its networks. Peacock, NBC’s streaming service, will simulcast some Sunday night games and carry MLB’s Sunday Leadoff games. ESPN secures a 30-game broadcast package per season exclusively on its channels and app, along with streaming 150 out-of-market games daily on the ESPN app and offering select in-market games.
This partnership showcases Netflix’s expansion into live sports streaming, providing tech-savvy audiences with more diverse content options. The collaboration between MLB and these major networks signifies a strategic move to broaden the reach of baseball and enhance viewer engagement through digital platforms.
Source: The Verge