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MLB expands reach with new streaming and broadcast partnerships
Major League Baseball (MLB) has finalized a series of three-year agreements with leading media companies, including Netflix, ESPN, and NBCUniversal, to broadcast select games and events beginning in the 2026 season. The deals aim to broaden the league's audience across streaming and traditional platforms, Baseball Commissioner Robert D. Manfred Jr. announced Wednesday.
Netflix enters live sports with marquee MLB events
The world's largest streaming service, Netflix, will air high-profile MLB events, including the league's opening night exclusive and the annual Home Run Derby, a fan-favorite competition where players vie to hit the most home runs. Additionally, Netflix will stream the World Baseball Classic in Japan, marking its deeper push into live sports programming.
ESPN gains MLB.TV rights, NBCUniversal revives Sunday night games
Under the new terms, ESPN will take over MLB.TV, the league's out-of-market streaming service, starting in 2026. Financial details, including subscription pricing and the total value of the agreements, were not disclosed. Meanwhile, NBCUniversal, owned by Comcast, will reintroduce regular-season games to its network for the first time in 25 years, securing the rights to Sunday night matchups.
Existing partners retain key broadcasts
Fox Sports will continue airing the World Series and other marquee games, while Apple TV will maintain its Friday Night Baseball doubleheaders. The reshuffled deals follow ESPN's decision earlier this year to opt out of the final three seasons of its prior contract, which would have cost the network over $1.5 billion (£1.15 billion).
Negotiations follow ESPN's contract exit
The league engaged in prolonged discussions with multiple platforms after ESPN's withdrawal, which opened the door for the new distribution framework. MLB's strategy reflects a broader industry shift toward diversifying content across streaming and linear TV to maximize viewership.
"These agreements will help the league expand its reach and engage fans in innovative ways," Manfred said in a statement.
