5 MLB broadcast partner options after ESPN break-up (Hint: a lot of streamers)
MLB's hot stove season had one last big departure as spring training opens. This time it was the league itself shaking things up.
Commissioner Rob Manfred sent a memo to all 30 clubs informing them MLB is opting out of a broadcast partnership with ESPN following the 2025 season. According to The Athletic, Manfred cited ESPN's request to lower the rights fees as a key catalyst while arguing the network hasn't done enough to highlight the sport.
"We have not been pleased with the minimal coverage that MLB has received on ESPN’s platforms over the past several years outside of the actual live game coverage," Manfred wrote.
MLB and ESPN are in a seven-year deal worth $550 million annually that began in 2021. The two have been broadcast partners dating back to 1990. While both Manfred and ESPN left the door open to further negotiations, it sure seems like MLB is going to need a new home for the Home Run Derby, Wild Card playoff round and marquee regular season games — including Sunday Night Baseball.
Here's a look at the landscape and where MLB might land next.
NBC/Peacock
NBC has attempted bids on MLB rights twice in the past few decades, failing to secure a package in 2007 and 2014. Might the network take another run this time around? The launch of its Peacock streaming service, and a renewed interest in live sports with the return of the NBA on NBC, makes the network a logical suitor once again. NBC also wouldn't mind Sunday Night Baseball as complement to Sunday Night Football, at least until the fall scheduling conflicts kick in.
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime has found its footing in the live sports world with Thursday Night Football and has already sunk $3 billion into NFL and NBA rights. Could MLB be next? It depends on what it brings to the table. Even if it added a studio show, it's hard to see how Amazon gets baseball in front of more fans than ESPN, but if the investment is big enough, MLB will have to listen.
If nothing else, this should give us a good look at just how far into live sports Amazon Prime is willing to push.
Netflix
Netflix carries all the same concerns as Amazon Prime, but the streaming giant's foray into live sports has mostly focused on one-offs like the Jake Paul-Mike Tyson fight and NFL Christmas Day games, with the exception of WWE.
It wouldn't be stunning to see Netflix make a similar pitch to baseball as it did for pro wrestling, but again, the exposure becomes an issue.
TNT/Max
Would losing NBA rights lead Turner Sports to expanding its MLB portfolio? The infrastructure is already there with TBS, as is the streaming capabilities with Max. This could be a perfect marriage — assuming the money is right for both sides.
CBS/Paramount+
Granted, CBS already has a very crowded spring schedule with March Madness and The Masters, but this would give MLB the type of exposure it's seeking — especially when you consider Paramount's penchant for special Nickelodeon-themed broadcasts to reach younger audiences. The Paramount+ streaming service is very attractive, and CBS has proven it can build around tentpole events given all of its soccer coverage.
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