Major League Baseball finalized a sweeping three-year media rights package Wednesday, restructuring its national broadcast lineup months after ESPN opted out of its previous agreement. The new setup — first reported by Andrew Marchand of The Athletic — brings NBC and Netflix into MLB’s distribution mix while keeping ESPN on board under a revised deal. Combined, the contracts will average nearly $800 million per year, with NBC taking over “Sunday Night Baseball,” Netflix landing the Home Run Derby and select showcase games, and ESPN securing expanded streaming rights.
Under the terms, ESPN shifts away from postseason coverage but gains control of MLB.TV’s out-of-market package and in-market streaming for six league-produced broadcasts. The network will air 30 regular-season games, primarily on weeknights. NBC reenters baseball with 25 Sunday night telecasts split between its broadcast channel and the new NBC Sports Network, supported by Peacock streams and additional early-afternoon games. Netflix, continuing its push into major sports, will carry the Home Run Derby, the season opener on March 25 and an annual special-event game such as MLB at Field of Dreams.
The restructured rights model allows MLB to preserve key relationships with Fox, Turner and Apple while broadening national exposure as regional sports networks face continued uncertainty. Commissioner Rob Manfred also used the negotiations to elevate high-profile events, including the Wild Card Series and draft coverage. The arrangement positions the league for its next round of talks ahead of 2028, when long-term contracts with Fox and Turner are set to expire.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].