Apple TV Secures MLB Friday Night Baseball Through 2028 Season

Apple TV+ will continue to broadcast Friday Night Baseball for the 2026 to 2028 seasons. Major League Baseball confirmed the extension of the streaming deal today. This ensures fans have a consistent weekly viewing destination.

The agreement solidifies Apple’s position in the sports streaming landscape. It comes amid a larger reshuffling of MLB’s national broadcast partners. According to Reuters, the core structure of Apple’s package remains unchanged.

MLB’s New Media Landscape and Apple’s Role

The broader MLB media rights picture is evolving significantly. New partnerships with Netflix and NBCUniversal were announced recently. These deals will shift some high-profile events to new platforms.

Netflix gains rights to the T-Mobile Home Run Derby. It will also air special events like the Field of Dreams Game. NBC takes over Sunday night and Sunday afternoon broadcasts from ESPN.

These changes create a more fragmented viewing experience. Yet Apple’s Friday night doubleheader remains a stable fixture. It provides a free, weekly product for all Apple TV+ subscribers.

Strategic Win for Apple in Competitive Streaming Era

This renewal is a strategic victory for Apple. It retains a key live sports property without expanding its financial commitment. The deal provides consistent, exclusive content for its streaming service.

For viewers, it means no disruption to their Friday night routine. The familiar pregame and postgame analysis will continue. This consistency is valuable in an increasingly complex sports broadcasting market.

The confirmation ends speculation about the service’s future. Apple’s commitment to Friday Night Baseball is now locked in through 2028. This provides long-term stability for baseball fans on the platform.

Info at your fingertips

Is Friday Night Baseball still free to watch?

Yes. The Friday night doubleheader remains free for all Apple TV+ subscribers. You do not need an additional sports package or payment.

What other companies will stream MLB games?

Netflix will stream the Home Run Derby and special events. ESPN will offer a national midweek game package. NBC will broadcast Sunday games.

When does the 2026 MLB season start?

The 2026 season is scheduled to begin on March 25, 2026. Apple’s first Friday Night Baseball doubleheader will likely air on March 27.

Will Apple get any playoff games?

No. Apple’s rights are exclusively for regular-season Friday night games. Playoff rights belong to Fox, TBS, and NBC.

Why did MLB sign so many new deals?

The strategy diversifies revenue streams and reaches broader audiences. It places games on both traditional broadcast and leading streaming platforms.

Trusted Sources

Associated Press, Reuters, Bloomberg