Major Changes in MLB Broadcasting: ESPN, NBC, and Netflix Reach an Agreement
The Major League Baseball (MLB) has finalized a new broadcasting rights agreement that brings significant changes for fans. ESPN, NBC, and Netflix will be the main channels broadcasting the season’s games.
This agreement reconfigures the way fans will enjoy baseball, incorporating streaming options and new platforms to follow the matches.
Agreement Details
The multi-year agreement, which was announced on Wednesday, includes out-of-market broadcast rights. Commissioner Rob Manfred managed to maximize the rights for the Home Run Derby and the wild card series.
This new agreement with ESPN marks a significant evolution in our relationship of more than 30 years.
Rob Manfred
The total agreement will generate about $800 million per year. ESPN will contribute $550 million, while NBC will contribute $200 million and Netflix $50 million.
ESPN and the Broadcast
ESPN, which has broadcast baseball since 1990, will maintain its presence but with changes. Although it loses some postseason games and the Home Run Derby, it becomes the owner of the rights to MLB.TV, which will be available on the ESPN app.
In addition, ESPN will have the in-market broadcast rights for six teams: San Diego Padres, Colorado Rockies, Arizona Diamondbacks, Cleveland Guardians, Minnesota Twins, and Seattle Mariners.
NBC and the New Era of “Sunday Night Baseball”
NBC and its Peacock platform will become the new home of “Sunday Night Baseball” and the wild card round. NBC will broadcast 25 games on Sunday nights, and the first will be on April 12.
In addition, NBC will offer a primetime game on Labor Day and Sunday afternoon games will return to Peacock.
Netflix and the Home Run Derby
Netflix will stream the Home Run Derby and two additional games. The first game of the season on Netflix will be on March 25.
Netflix will stream a special MLB event each year.
These agreements position MLB for future negotiations, seeking a more national approach to its broadcasting rights.
