ESPN, MLB Seal Urgent New $800M Media Rights Deal for Fans

UPDATE: ESPN and Major League Baseball have just announced a groundbreaking new three-year media rights deal worth nearly $800 million per year, revolutionizing how fans will access baseball games starting March 26, 2024. This urgent agreement includes out-of-market streaming rights and sees NBC and Netflix stepping up to broadcast key games.

In a significant shift, NBC will take over as the new home for “Sunday Night Baseball” and the Wild Card Series, while Netflix will air the highly anticipated Home Run Derby. This deal marks a pivotal moment in MLB’s approach to media rights, as Commissioner Rob Manfred emphasizes a balanced strategy catering to evolving fan expectations.

Under the terms of the deal, ESPN will continue to pay $550 million, while NBC’s agreement is valued at $200 million and Netflix at $50 million. Despite losing some postseason games, ESPN retains exclusive rights to MLB.TV, which will be integrated into the ESPN app, significantly enhancing the viewing experience for fans.

“This new agreement with ESPN marks a significant evolution in our more than 30-year relationship,” Manfred stated. “Bringing MLB.TV to ESPN’s new app while maintaining a presence on linear television reflects a balanced approach to the shifts taking place in the way that fans watch baseball.”

Additionally, ESPN has secured in-market streaming rights for six teams, including the San Diego Padres and Cleveland Guardians, ensuring passionate fans can follow their favorite teams seamlessly. “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,” said ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro.

Even without “Sunday Night Baseball“, ESPN will air 30 games primarily on weeknights during the summer months, solidifying its ongoing commitment to baseball. This marks MLB’s second league to have out-of-market digital packages available through ESPN’s platform, following the NHL’s move in 2021.

NBC, celebrating its 100th anniversary next year, is making a significant return to baseball broadcasting after decades. Its first game will feature the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers hosting the Arizona Diamondbacks on March 26. The network will air a total of 25 Sunday night games, with the inaugural broadcast set for April 12, following the NBA playoffs.

The addition of baseball games grants NBC a year-round sports presence on Sunday nights, complementing its long-standing NFL broadcasts. It will also feature a prime-time game on Labor Day and early-afternoon games streamed on Peacock.

Netflix is aligning with its strategy of securing high-profile sports events, including the first game of the MLB season on March 25, where Aaron Judge and the New York Yankees will face the San Francisco Giants. The streamer will also cover the Home Run Derby and the MLB at Field of Dreams event on August 13.

This urgent deal comes as MLB seeks to adapt its media approach, focusing on a more national strategy rather than relying heavily on regional sports networks. The negotiations have been complex but crucial, as MLB aims to enhance its overall media landscape while maintaining strong relationships with existing partners like Fox and Turner Sports.

As fans gear up for an exciting new era of baseball broadcasting, this deal represents a significant shift in how they will experience America’s pastime. Keep an eye on March 26, 2024, as the action kicks off with the Dodgers and Diamondbacks, setting the stage for a thrilling season ahead.