MLB Scores $800 Million Annually in New Media Rights Deals

Major League Baseball has finalized a new set of media rights agreements. The deals are with NBC, Netflix, and ESPN. They are valued at approximately $800 million per year. This major financial shift comes on the heels of a thrilling World Series.

The new partnerships will fundamentally change how fans watch games. They also represent a strategic pivot for the league. According to reports from the Associated Press, the goal is to expand baseball’s reach across broadcast and streaming platforms.

NBC and Netflix Enter the Broadcasting Lineup

NBC is making a significant return to broadcasting MLB games. The network secured a $200 million annual package. This deal includes the exclusive rights to “Sunday Night Baseball” and the “MLB Sunday Leadoff” game.

NBC’s Peacock streaming service will also be the exclusive home for the entire Wild Card playoff round. The package additionally includes the MLB Draft and the MLB Futures Game. This move brings a major postseason component back to a traditional broadcast network.

Netflix is entering live sports with a smaller, targeted deal. The streaming giant will pay $50 million per year. Its package includes the exclusive broadcast of the season’s Opening Night game.

Netflix will also air the popular Home Run Derby and the Field of Dreams Game. Furthermore, it will stream all 47 games of the 2026 World Baseball Classic for users in Japan. This marks a strategic test for Netflix in the live sports arena.

ESPN Recalibrates With MLB.TV and New Game Packages

ESPN has restructured its existing relationship with the league. The network opted out of its “Sunday Night Baseball” commitment. This opened the door for NBC to acquire those coveted slots.

Despite this change, ESPN will continue paying its previous rate of $550 million annually for the next three years. In exchange, it gains control of the out-of-market streaming service MLB.TV. This is a major acquisition for ESPN’s digital offerings.

The network also secured a new 30-game midweek package of live games. These will air on ESPN networks and its app. ESPN will also stream games from MLB Network and for several specific teams whose local broadcasts were disrupted.

The new media landscape for MLB is now set. The league secures a massive $800 million annual revenue stream. Fans will have more viewing options, but also more decisions to make, when the new season begins.

Thought you’d like to know

Who will broadcast Sunday Night Baseball now?

NBC and its streaming service Peacock are the new exclusive home for Sunday Night Baseball. They secured the rights as part of their new multi-year deal with the league.

What did Netflix get in its MLB deal?

Netflix will broadcast the annual Opening Night game, the Home Run Derby, and the Field of Dreams Game. It is a targeted entry into live sports for the streaming service.

Is ESPN still involved with MLB?

Yes, ESPN restructured its deal. It no longer has Sunday Night Baseball but now operates MLB.TV and has a new 30-game midweek package. Its financial commitment remains significant.

How will these deals affect how I watch games?

Fans will need multiple services to see all games. Key events are now spread across NBC, Peacock, Netflix, and ESPN, in addition to existing partners like Fox and TBS.

Why did MLB make these changes?

The league aims to increase overall revenue and expand its audience by partnering with both traditional broadcasters and new streaming platforms. The deals achieve a higher combined annual payment.