MLB Strikes New Three-Year Rights Deal: ESPN Returns While NBC and Netflix Join the Game

MLB has inked a sweeping three-year media rights agreement for the 2026-2028 seasons with ESPN, NBCUniversal, and Netflix, reshaping how fans will watch the sport.

What the New Deal Looks Like

• ESPN
  • Secures a national midweek game package — about 30 games per season.
  • Gains rights to MLB.TV, meaning out-of-market games will now be streamed through the ESPN app.
  • Also gets local-market streaming rights for six teams: Cleveland, San Diego, Minnesota, Arizona, Colorado, and Seattle.
  • Will continue to air marquee events like the Little League Classic and a Memorial Day game.
• NBC / Peacock
  • Sunday Night Baseball returns to NBC and Peacock, marking NBC’s re-entry into regular broadcasts after more than 25 years.
  • The Wild Card Series will be broadcast on NBC and streamed on Peacock.
  • Some special event games — such as Opening Day and Labor Day matchups — will be on NBC or Peacock.
• Netflix
  • Will stream several MLB events: Opening Night, the Home Run Derby, and one annual “special event” game.
  • For 2026, one special event will be the “Field of Dreams” game in Iowa.

The Financials

• The total value of the three-year contract is about $800 million per year, according to various reports.
• Breakdown:
  • ESPN: $550 million/year
  • NBCUniversal: $200 million/year
  • Netflix: $50 million/year

Why This Deal Is a Big Deal

1. ESPN Is Back in a Big Way
   ESPN had opted out of its previous contract earlier in 2025, but this new deal brings them back with a refreshed package. Their acquisition of MLB.TV marks a big digital play.
2. NBC Returns to Baseball
   For the first time in decades, Sunday Night Baseball is back on NBC. Given NBC’s wide reach and Peacock’s streaming presence, this could be a major win for MLB’s national exposure.
3. Netflix Moves Into Live Sports
   While Netflix has done sports-themed documentaries before, this deal gives them live MLB event coverage — a smart move as they continue to lean into big cultural moments.
4. Modernizing for Fans
   By granting ESPN the digital rights for MLB.TV and giving more midweek games, MLB is acknowledging shifting viewing habits.
5. Big Money, But Balanced Risk
   This isn’t a megadeal like some other sports, but the $800 million/year helps MLB diversify its media partners — reducing reliance on any single broadcaster and tapping into both traditional and streaming audiences.

This new rights deal represents a major evolution for MLB’s broadcast strategy, mixing legacy media (ESPN, NBC) with newer platforms (Netflix) — and giving fans more ways to tune in.