Major League Baseball (MLB) and ESPN are nearing a significant three-year agreement that would grant ESPN exclusive digital rights to sell all out-of-market regular-season games via MLB.TV and in-market games for five MLB-controlled teams: the Cleveland Guardians, San Diego Padres, Minnesota Twins, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Colorado Rockies. The deal, expected to be finalized by September and effective next season, marks a shift in their partnership after ESPN opted out of its previous $550 million-per-year contract in February, which covered “Sunday Night Baseball,” eight-to-12 first-round playoff games, and the Home Run Derby.
Under the new framework, ESPN will continue to broadcast approximately 30 regular-season games, moving from “Sunday Night Baseball” to a different night of the week. These games will remain exclusive, meaning fans can only watch them through ESPN’s platforms. The agreement aligns with ESPN’s push to address local sports challenges as regional sports networks struggle amid declining cable subscriptions. ESPN recently launched its direct-to-consumer streaming service, priced at $29.99 per month, which does not require a traditional cable or satellite subscription.
For fans, accessing MLB.TV may require an ESPN direct-to-consumer subscription, with pricing expected to be similar or slightly lower than the current $29.99 monthly rate. The deal could also incorporate MLB Network as an optional add-on bundle, though this is not yet confirmed. For the five MLB-controlled teams, fans may need an ESPN subscription—either direct or through a cable operator—plus an additional fee to stream local games.
Meanwhile, Netflix is the leading contender to acquire the Home Run Derby rights, while NBC and Apple are in the running for “Sunday Night Baseball” and first-round playoff games. Apple already holds exclusive Friday night doubleheaders. MLB is structuring these deals to span three years, aiming to synchronize its national, international, playoff, and World Series media rights for a major auction starting in 2029.
The financial details of ESPN’s payment to MLB remain undisclosed but are described as substantial.
