Deadline has reported that Major League Baseball has announced a three-year television rights deal with ESPN, NBC Universal, and Netflix. While the MLB did not specify any numbers, the Wall Street Journal has estimated they were worth approximately $800 million a year.

According to Deadline, Sports have remained the most stable source of advertising revenue to date. The deal was the latest in a string of sports streaming acquisitions, including NFL, UFC, and Formula 1. For consumers, this has led to an increase in streaming prices as the cost of live sports is integrated.

The MLB saw a ratings surge during the 2025 World Series as the Los Angeles Dodgers pulled off a miraculous comeback against the Toronto Blue Jays, allowing the league significant negotiating power, via Deadline.

According to Deadline, Disney, parent company of ESPN, had stated prior to the 2025 season that it would not be renewing their long-standing partnership with America’s pastime. Eventually, they would come around to continuing their deal in a more limited fashion. They will continue regular programming, but NBC will take over Sunday Night Baseball from Disney.

Deadline has reported that the MLB seems poised for fraught labor negotiations with the players’ association, as the current deal expires after 2026. The owners look to institute a possible salary cap, and the players’ association seems likely to fight tooth and nail over that negotiation. Player salaries have reached record highs, with Juan Soto and Shohei Ohtani signing contracts worth north of $700 million. The 2027 season faces a significant risk of a lockout, potentially leading to a shortened or cancelled season.

According to Deadline, The 2025 World Series champion Dodgers will headline NBC’s return to baseball as they face off against the Arizona Diamondbacks on March 26th. The game will also see the pre-game ceremony celebrating the Dodgers’ 2025 victory. The NBC deal spans both streaming and cable, as games will be available on NBCSN, NBC, and Peacock. In addition to Sunday Night Baseball, NBC will also carry the entire wild-card round of the playoffs.

Rick Cordella, president of NBC Sports, shared his excitement over the MLB’s return to the network. “We are excited to reignite NBC Sports’ storied Major League Baseball history through this comprehensive and innovative partnership that will honor the past and create new traditions,”via Deadline. 

Deadline has reported that Netflix will stream multiple games a year, including Opening Day, The Field of Dreams game in Iowa, and The Home Run Derby.

“We are incredibly thankful for our partnership with Major League Baseball. We started with critically acclaimed documentaries, deepening the existing global passion for baseball,” stated Netflix Chief Content Officer, Bela Bajaria. Now, we are seizing that moment by bringing massive cultural spectacles – from Opening Night to the Home Run Derby – directly to our members, reinforcing Netflix as the ultimate home for both the story and the sport.” via Deadline.