UPDATE: ESPN and Major League Baseball (MLB) have just announced a groundbreaking three-year media rights deal that will change how fans experience baseball. The agreement, which includes out-of-market streaming rights, is set to average nearly $800 million per year, marking a significant shift in sports broadcasting.
Under this new agreement, NBC will air the highly anticipated “Sunday Night Baseball” and the Wild Card series, while Netflix will take on the Home Run Derby and two additional games. This strategic partnership highlights the growing importance of streaming in the sports landscape, as MLB looks to enhance its reach and accessibility.
Commissioner Rob Manfred expressed enthusiasm about the deal, stating, “This new agreement with ESPN marks a significant evolution in our more than 30-year relationship.” He emphasized that bringing MLB.TV to ESPN’s app reflects a balanced approach to the changing viewing habits of baseball fans.
ESPN will invest $550 million into this deal, losing postseason games but gaining the rights to MLB.TV, which will be accessible through the ESPN app. Fans will still enjoy 30 games, primarily during weeknights and summer months, despite ESPN no longer holding “Sunday Night Baseball.”
Jimmy Pitaro, ESPN chairman, stated, “This fan-friendly agreement allows us to showcase the great sport of baseball on both a local and national level, while prioritizing our streaming future.” The deal also includes in-market streaming rights for six MLB teams: the San Diego Padres, Colorado Rockies, Arizona Diamondbacks, Cleveland Guardians, Minnesota Twins, and Seattle Mariners.
NBC is gearing up for its first game on March 26, 2024, when the defending two-time champion Los Angeles Dodgers host the Diamondbacks. This marks a return for NBC to baseball after a long hiatus, having previously aired games from 1939 to 1989.
The new deal promises to air 25 Sunday night games, mostly on NBC and streaming on Peacock, with the first “Sunday Night Baseball” game set for April 12. Additionally, early-afternoon games will return to Peacock, leading into a studio Whip-Around Show before the evening matchups.
Netflix’s involvement aligns with its strategy to secure major sports events, including a Christmas doubleheader for the NFL and the Home Run Derby. The streaming giant will also host the first game of the MLB season on March 25, featuring three-time AL MVP Aaron Judge and the New York Yankees against the San Francisco Giants.
As MLB navigates the complexities of broadcasting rights, this deal positions the league for future negotiations, aiming for a more national approach rather than relying heavily on regional sports networks. The league already receives substantial revenue from other rights holders, including an average of $729 million from Fox and $470 million from Turner Sports.
With this new media landscape emerging, baseball fans can anticipate an exciting season ahead, filled with fresh viewing options and enhanced access to their favorite teams. Stay tuned for more updates as the season approaches!
