Thu Sep 18 02:50:00 UTC 2025: **MLB Nearing Broadcast Deals with ESPN, NBCUniversal, and Netflix for 2026-2028 Seasons**

**NEW YORK** – Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred announced Tuesday that the league is on the verge of securing new broadcast agreements with three major media companies, covering the 2026 through 2028 seasons. The deals aim to expand national reach and solidify MLB’s presence across various platforms.

Speaking at Front Office Sports’ Tuned In event, Manfred stated that MLB is nearing agreements in principle with ESPN for a regular-season package, NBCUniversal for the wild card series and Sunday night regular-season games, and Netflix for the All-Star Home Run Derby. Manfred also indicated that an agreement for in-market rights for the Arizona Diamondbacks, Cleveland Guardians, Colorado Rockies, Minnesota Twins, and San Diego Padres is close to completion.

The move comes after ESPN opted out of its previous deal for Sunday night games and Home Run Derby rights. However, negotiations with ESPN President James Pitaro, which resumed in July, have resulted in a renewed partnership, albeit with a revised structure. Manfred emphasized the importance of retaining ESPN as a partner and expressed excitement about the potential of joining forces with Netflix. A pre-existing deal with Apple is expected to remain in place.

Looking ahead to the next round of negotiations for rights packages starting in 2029, Manfred anticipates a shift in strategy. He predicts that more games will be available in national packages, while acknowledging the continued importance of local broadcasting solutions for games not included in those national deals.

Manfred also highlighted MLB’s desire to consolidate each team’s games onto fewer channels, recognizing the need to prioritize national exposure to maximize revenue in today’s media landscape.

“Getting more national and getting more games out there on a national basis has to be your No. 1 priority,” Manfred said, noting the general agreement among clubs on this strategy. He acknowledged some apprehension regarding the future of games not included in national packages, underscoring the need for a comprehensive solution for all broadcasts.

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