MLB Announces New Three-Year Media Rights Partnerships with Netflix, NBCUniversal, and ESPN (2026–2028)

Major League Baseball (MLB) is entering a new chapter in sports broadcasting after securing three-year media rights agreements with Netflix, NBCUniversal, and ESPN. Starting in the 2026 season, MLB will blend traditional television coverage with modern streaming platforms, offering fans more accessibility and viewing flexibility than ever before. These deals signal MLB’s effort to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving media landscape.

Netflix Steps Into Live MLB Coverage
For the first time, Netflix will venture beyond documentaries and feature live baseball programming. This move expands MLB’s reach to a global streaming audience.

What Netflix Will Showcase:
⦁    Opening Night games each season
⦁    The T-Mobile Home Run Derby during All-Star festivities
⦁    The 2026 Field of Dreams game in Dyersville, Iowa
⦁    One additional special event game each year
To maintain top-quality production, Netflix will collaborate closely with MLB Network, combining MLB’s broadcast expertise with Netflix’s global streaming strength.

NBCUniversal Returns to Regular-Season Baseball
After more than two decades, NBCUniversal will once again feature MLB regular-season games across its broadcast and digital platforms.

NBC’s Coverage Will Include:
⦁    Sunday Night Baseball, now moving from ESPN to NBC and Peacock
⦁    Sunday Leadoff morning games on Peacock and NBCSN
⦁    Complete coverage of the Wild Card Series across NBC platforms Peacock
⦁   Opening Day and Labor Day games on NBC
⦁    All-Star Week events such as the MLB Draft, Futures Game, and celebrity showcase streamed on Peacock
NBC’s comeback combines its broadcasting heritage with Peacock’s streaming convenience.

ESPN Extends Its Longstanding MLB Partnership
ESPN’s relationship with MLB will continue through at least 2028, making it nearly four decades of collaboration.

Under the New Deal, ESPN Will:
⦁  Air 30 national games per season
Feature notable matchups including:
   ⦁  Memorial Day games
   ⦁  The first game after the All-Star break 
   ⦁  The Little League Classic
⦁  Take over distribution of MLB.TV out-of-market games through the ESPN app, offering fans access to more than 150 games annually
This consolidation makes it easier for fans to follow their favorite out-of-market teams on one streamlined platform.

Financial Overview
Together, the agreements total roughly $800 million per year, broken down as follows:
⦁    ESPN: around $550 million
⦁    NBCUniversal: roughly $200 million
⦁    Netflix: approximately $50 million
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred emphasized that each partner brings a unique advantage Netflix’s global reach, NBCUniversal’s broadcast experience, and ESPN’s sports-oriented audience and digital infrastructure.

What This Means for Fans
✔ More Viewing Choices
Fans can choose from cable TV, digital streaming, or mobile apps.

✔ Streaming Takes Center Stage
Netflix’s entry into live sports reflects the shift toward digital-first viewing.

✔ Easier Access to Out-of-Market Games
With ESPN taking over MLB.TV, fans get a simpler user experience.

✔ Revival of Classic Baseball Moments
NBC’s return to Sunday Night Baseball mixes tradition with modern accessibility.

✔ Bigger Global Exposure for Special Events
Major events like the Home Run Derby and Field of Dreams game gain worldwide visibility.

Possible Drawbacks
⦁ Viewers may need multiple subscriptions
⦁ The new pricing structure for MLB.TV via ESPN is still unknown
⦁ Short contract terms mean renegotiations will come quickly
⦁ Ensuring consistent broadcast quality across all partners is essential

💬 Final Thoughts
MLB’s newly inked media rights deals with Netflix, NBCUniversal, and ESPN represent a major step forward in the league’s distribution strategy. By combining the old and the new broadcast television, cable networks, and global streaming platforms MLB is positioning itself for a broader, more diverse audience.
For fans, this means more flexibility, more content, and more ways to enjoy America’s pastime. For MLB, it’s a strategic step toward long-term growth, expanded reach, and modernized media delivery.