MLB Signs Multi-Platform Rights Deals with Netflix, ESPN, NBCUniversal, and Others
Major League Baseball (MLB) has signed three-year rights agreements with Netflix, ESPN, NBCUniversal, Apple TV, and Fox Sports to broadcast select games over the next three seasons. These deals expand MLB's coverage across multiple platforms beyond traditional broadcast outlets.
Netflix will air exclusive programming including the opening-night game, the Home Run Derby, and the World Baseball Classic in Japan. NBCUniversal will bring Sunday night games back to its network for the first time in 25 years.
Apple TV will stream Friday Night Baseball back-to-back matches, while Fox Sports will continue to broadcast the World Series and other games.
ESPN, which opted out of the final three seasons of its prior contract—previously valued at more than $1.5 billion over three seasons—will gain MLB.TV rights starting in 2026.
MLB Commissioner Robert D Manfred Jr. described the new agreements as a way to expand the league's reach across diverse viewing platforms.
