MLB Inks 3-Year Media Rights Deal with Netflix, ESPN, NBC

Major League Baseball announced a new three-year media rights agreement on Wednesday with Netflix, ESPN, and NBCUniversal, redistributing national broadcast and streaming rights for games through the 2028 season and marking a significant expansion into streaming platforms.

The deal, valued at approximately $800 million annually across the partners, ends ESPN's previous exclusive hold on certain national packages and introduces diverse viewing options for fans. Starting next season, Netflix will stream select high-profile events for about $50 million per year, including the Opening Night game, the annual Home Run Derby, and one special matchup each season. For 2026, that featured game is the Field of Dreams contest on August 13 in Dyersville, Iowa, pitting the Minnesota Twins against the Philadelphia Phillies. Netflix also gains rights to broadcast all 47 games of the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

NBCUniversal returns as a major MLB partner after a 25-year absence from regular-season broadcasts, paying around $200 million annually. The network will air Sunday Night Baseball exclusively, along with the Wild Card playoff round and special events such as Opening Day and Labor Day...