Major League Baseball is preparing for one of the most dramatic shifts in its media landscape in years after unveiling a new set of broadcast and streaming partnerships that will take effect beginning with the 2025 season. The sweeping agreements introduce fresh platforms, expanded streaming access, and renewed national television windows aimed at modernizing how fans watch America’s pastime.
The first phase centers on ESPN, which will operate under a three-year “bridge” arrangement. While the network retains its signature Sunday Night Baseball franchise, the deal adds a new exclusive Monday night broadcast slot and preserves ESPN’s rights to the Home Run Derby and a package of postseason games, including select Division Series and League Championship Series matchups. In a notable move, ESPN has also acquired local rights for teams, allowing ESPN+ subscribers to stream in-market games directly through its platform.
MLB is also joining forces with ESPN and Fox to create a joint venture that will take over the out-of-market streaming service currently known as MLB.TV. Under the new structure, fans will have a single, streamlined destination for national and local streaming coverage, with league officials emphasizing improved accessibility and simplified subscriptions.
Beginning in 2026, two major partners enter the fold. Netflix, continuing its push into live sports, will air a weekly slate of regular-season games, marking the company’s most significant commitment to live baseball to date. At the same time, NBCUniversal is set to bring MLB back to the NBC broadcast network, while also offering live games on its streaming service Peacock. The return to NBC marks the first regular MLB presence on the network in decades.
League executives view the redesigned rights structure as a long-term investment in accessibility, digital expansion, and audience growth. With fans increasingly consuming sports through streaming services, MLB’s strategy reflects an effort to meet viewers where they are-whether on traditional television or mobile devices.
The combined agreements span the 2026–2028 seasons and signal the beginning of a new era in baseball broadcasting, one shaped by evolving technology and strengthened by partnerships with some of the world’s largest media platforms.
