Manfred: MLB Prioritizes New Media-Rights Deal Before All-Star Game

Major League Baseball (MLB) is making moves to secure new broadcasters for its games after ESPN decided to drop their rights. Commissioner Rob Manfred revealed that talks with three potential bidders for the 2026-2028 seasons are well on their way, potentially finalizing a deal before the upcoming All-Star Game.

Currently, NBC and Apple TV+ are among the key players looking to enter the MLB broadcasting arena to fill the void left by ESPN. There’s a third undisclosed bidder too, adding an element of surprise to the negotiations. Each bidder is vying for different broadcasting packages, making the discussions quite comprehensive for the league.

While these deals are set to be short-term until 2028, when MLB’s overall media deals come up for renegotiation, Manfred highlighted the importance of maximizing audience reach over revenue gains for this interim period. The parting with ESPN may have been an awkward situation, but it has opened new opportunities for the league.

In other updates, the Rays are hoping to return to their Home at the Tropicana Field post-repairs by the start of the 2026 season. Despite uncertainties about the team’s future in St. Petersburg, Florida, MLB is cautiously optimistic. Manfred also shared that there’s upbeat energy among team owners, with high attendance and TV viewership levels in the 2025 season so far, largely driven by exciting gameplay and star players like Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge.

As for the Olympics in 2028, talks are ongoing for MLB’s participation in the LA Games, with considerations for adjustments to accommodate the event being discussed with league partners. And not to be overlooked is the positivity surrounding MLB’s recent investment in the Athletes Unlimited Softball League, signaling potential growth in this space.

Manfred also noted that various viewpoints, including feedback from U.S. President Donald Trump, influenced the decision to reinstate Pete Rose in recent times. It’s clear that MLB is navigating through significant changes and partnerships, with a keen eye on the evolving landscape of sports media and entertainment.