ESPN Opts Out of MLB Contract After 2025 – What’s Next For Baseball Fans?

By Phillip Swann
The TV Answer Man – Follow me on X.

ESPN has decided to opt out of its TV contract with Major League Baseball after the 2025 season, forgoing MLB broadcast rights for the 2026 through 2028 seasons. The move marks an end to a 30 plus year partnership between the two and possibly will lead to more games available exclusively on streaming.

Why Is ESPN Dropping MLB Broadcasts?
The sports network’s Sunday night broadcasts of MLB games have become a staple over the years.  However, ESPN was reportedly seeking a lower fee to carry the games. In a statement released yesterday, ESPN cited “fiscal responsibility” as a cause for opting out.

“We are grateful for our longstanding relationship with Major League Baseball and proud of how ESPN’s coverage super-serves fans,” the network stated. “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 out audience across linear, digital and social platforms. As we have been throughout the process, we remain open to exploring new ways to serve MLB fans across our platforms beyond 2025.”

MLB Fires Back at ESPN’s Decision
Major League Baseball issued a counter statement, criticizing ESPN for reducing its MLB coverage in recent years. The network once aired multiple games during the week.

“We have had a long and mutually beneficial partnership with ESPN that dates back to its first MLB game in 1990,” the league said. “Unfortunately, in recent years, we have seen ESPN scale back their baseball coverage and investment in a way that is not consistent with the sport’s appeal or performance on their platform. Given that MLB provides strong viewership, valuable demographics, and the exclusive right to cover unique events like the Home Run Derby, ESPN’s demand to reduce rights fees is simply unacceptable. As a result, we have mutually agreed to terminate our agreement.”

What’s Next For MLB’s Sunday Night Games?
Now MLB will have to decide whether it can bring ESPN back to the negotiating table or seek a new partner to air Sunday night games after the upcoming season. Apple, Roku and Peacock have signed streaming deals with the league in recent years and it’s possible that another streamer such as Amazon, which has growing sports ambitions, could step in here. Netflix, which last year signed a deal with the NFL to air a Christmas doubleheader, could also be interested.

Swanni’s Take:

I believe it’s at least 50/50 that ESPN and MLB strike a new deal before this season is over. MLB likely can’t get a better deal and ESPN needs baseball to promote its upcoming standalone streaming service.

Have a Streaming Question?
Have a question about a favorite show, streaming service or new TV technology? Send it to The TV Answer Man at swann@tvanswerman.com. Please include your first name and hometown in your message.

Who Is The TV Answer Man?
Phillip Swann, The TV Answer Man, is a veteran journalist with over 30 years covering television. He brings you the latest news and answers your questions about streaming devices and services reshaping how you watch TV. Learn more about Phillip Swann here.