ESPN and Major League Baseball (MLB) have mutually decided to opt out of their current broadcast contract, signaling a significant shift in sports media. The lucrative deal, valued at $550 million annually over seven years, included marquee events such as Sunday Night Baseball, the Home Run Derby, and wild-card games. This decision comes as both parties evaluate their future collaboration prospects in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
In a statement, ESPN confirmed the mutual opt-out while expressing a desire to maintain MLB content on their platform. The network emphasized the importance of fiscal responsibility and strategic growth across various platforms.
"We are grateful for our longstanding relationship with Major League Baseball and proud of how ESPN's coverage super-serves fans," – ESPN
ESPN requested MLB to reduce the financial commitment required for the remainder of the contract term. However, MLB declined to renegotiate, citing dissatisfaction with the level of promotion baseball received on ESPN's platforms. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred communicated this stance to club members, highlighting the league's concerns over ESPN's coverage.
"Furthermore, 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," – Rob Manfred
Amidst these developments, the sports broadcasting landscape is experiencing potential shifts. Comcast (NBC) and Paramount (CBS) are reportedly interested in entering into new agreements with MLB. Additionally, streaming giants Amazon and Netflix are considering joining existing streamers Apple and Roku in offering baseball content.
ESPN's decision not to pursue a smaller deal reflects its strategy to avoid remaining on a shrinking platform. The network aims to leverage its industry-leading live events portfolio to grow its audience across linear, digital, and social platforms.
"In making this decision, we applied the same discipline and fiscal responsibility that has built ESPN's industry-leading live events portfolio as we continue to grow our audience across linear, digital and social platforms." – ESPN
MLB's other main broadcast partner on linear TV, Fox, remains committed until the conclusion of the 2025 season. Meanwhile, Apple and Roku have negotiated leaner packages for fewer games at reduced costs.