Major League Baseball is about to shake up how it broadcasts and streams games. There’s buzz about a big new partnership with NBC, and ESPN is working on locking down exclusive digital rights. Meanwhile, Netflix wants in on the Home Run Derby. MLB’s clearly aiming to get games in front of more fans, whether they’re watching on TV or streaming somewhere else.
MLB and NBC Near $600 Million Rights Deal
It looks like MLB and NBC are close to signing a three-year, $600 million agreement. That’s nearly $200 million per year just for the rights to air Sunday night broadcasts.
NBC would get those games except on nights when they’re already showing “Sunday Night Football” or NBA matchups. That’s a pretty big chunk of prime-time baseball coming back to network TV.
Prime-Time Baseball Returns to NBC
This deal brings high-profile baseball back to NBC’s Sunday night lineup. There’s more: some games will also stream on Peacock, which is NBCUniversal’s streaming service.
Peacock keeps pushing to grab more sports fans. It’s already home to plenty of big events, like:
- NFL Sunday Night Football
- College football matchups
- Golf tournaments
- WNBA games
- Olympic coverage
- Premier League Soccer
Playoff Games Included in NBC Package
The NBC deal isn’t just about the regular season. Sources say it also includes some MLB playoff games.
This could mean more postseason baseball on both traditional TV and streaming. It’s a move that might get more eyes on the playoffs, which, honestly, seems overdue.
Peacock’s Growing Sports Portfolio
Peacock’s been pretty aggressive in chasing live sports rights. They want to stand out from rivals like ESPN+, Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV+.
Adding MLB games gives subscribers more value and might pull in fans looking for something new. It’s a smart way to build their sports audience.
ESPN Eyes Exclusive MLB Digital Rights
While NBC is chasing prime-time TV, ESPN is deep in talks for a big package of digital rights. ESPN could end up with control over all out-of-market MLB games.
They’d also get in-market games for five teams where MLB already holds the local rights. That’s a lot of baseball under one digital roof.
Integration with ESPN’s Direct-to-Consumer Business
If this goes through, MLB.tv would move under ESPN’s direct-to-consumer umbrella. Fans could find all their MLB digital content in one place.
ESPN’s huge subscriber base and streaming setup would make it easier to get games to people. That’s got to be a win for convenience, right?
Netflix Closing in on Home Run Derby Rights
Netflix is in talks for a $35 million-a-year deal through 2028 to stream the Home Run Derby. That’s a big step for Netflix, which has mostly stuck to sports documentaries so far.
They’ve already had hits like Formula 1: Drive to Survive and Full Swing. Now they’re ready to try out live sports.
Sports as a Growth Strategy for Netflix
Landing live rights to the Home Run Derby could help Netflix pull in a new crowd. The Derby’s got big personalities, lots of energy, and it’s easy to watch even if you’re not a hardcore fan.
Seems like the perfect test for Netflix’s live-streaming plans. Who knows—maybe it’ll lead to even more live sports down the line.
Apple TV+ Reevaluates Baseball Strategy
On another front, it sounds like Apple TV+ might drop its “Friday Night Baseball” package after this season. If that happens, NBC/Peacock or another streamer could swoop in and grab even more MLB games.
The Changing MLB Media Landscape
MLB’s media approach keeps shifting as new deals and negotiations pop up. It’s not just about TV anymore—streaming exclusives and special event rights have jumped into the mix.
This hybrid setup tries to reach both longtime TV fans and younger folks who prefer streaming. It’s honestly a bit of a juggling act, but maybe that’s what the moment calls for.
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