Major League Baseball Secures New Media Deals with ESPN, NBC, and Netflix
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Major League Baseball has reached new media rights agreements with ESPN, NBC, and Netflix, marking a significant shift in how fans will consume the sport. According to ESPN, the new three-year deal includes out-of-market streaming rights and will average nearly $800 million per year across the three networks.
ESPN will pay $550 million, while NBC's deal is worth $200 million and Netflix will contribute $50 million. ESPN has been a long-time partner of MLB but will lose postseason games and the Home Run Derby.
However, the network retains rights for MLB.TV, which will be integrated into the ESPN App, allowing fans to access content for six specific teams. Commissioner Rob Manfred emphasized the importance of maintaining the relationship with ESPN, noting its historical significance in broadcasting baseball since 1990.
ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro described the agreement as fan-friendly, highlighting the importance of showcasing baseball on both local and national levels. Although ESPN loses 'Sunday Night Baseball,' it will still air 30 games primarily during weeknights in the summer.
NBC, which celebrates its centenary next year, will revive its connection to baseball by airing 'Sunday Night Baseball' and the wild-card round, with the first game scheduled for April 12. NBC's coverage will also include a prime-time game on Labor Day and the Major League Futures game.
Netflix's involvement aligns with its strategy to secure major sports events, as it will air the Home Run Derby and other special MLB games. This partnership reflects a broader trend in how sports content is distributed, with MLB looking to minimize its reliance on regional sports networks.
Notably, MLB's existing deals with Fox and Turner Sports, which average $729 million and $470 million per year respectively, will remain intact until they expire in 2028. The reported changes and new agreements signal a strategic evolution in MLB's broadcasting approach, catering to the growing demand for streaming content among sports fans.