MLB’s Upcoming Deals: Changing How You Watch Out-of-Market and Sunday Night Games

Big changes are on the horizon for how you watch Major League Baseball games, and it’s all thanks to some upcoming deals that are in the works. When ESPN decided to break its contract with MLB earlier this year, it set off a chain of negotiations that could have some exciting implications for fans.

Rumor has it that ESPN is looking to revamp its offerings, with a focus on out-of-market games. On the other hand, NBC/Peacock, Netflix, and Apple TV are eyeing regular-season packages, the Wild Card round, and the Home Run Derby. The goal is to have everything squared away by the end of the regular season next month, according to insiders who spoke to The Associated Press.

The negotiations have been tricky, as MLB doesn’t want to neglect its existing deals. While ESPN may be saying goodbye to the playoffs and the Home Run Derby, it’s gearing up to add something new and exciting to its lineup — the MLB.TV streaming package, which just launched as part of ESPN’s direct-to-consumer service. Additionally, ESPN plans to sell the in-market rights for five teams, including San Diego and Colorado.

During a recent presentation about ESPN’s DTC service, ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro hinted at the network’s interest in baseball, saying, “We are having healthy conversations with them. Nothing to announce today, but we’re very interested in baseball in general.”

With these new developments, MLB would gain a fresh audience for its content, which could be a boon for both the league and ESPN. According to a memo from Commissioner Rob Manfred, this strategic move is designed to position MLB for success in future deals.

As for NBC, known for its long history with baseball, including a stint in the mid-1900s and more recent playoff games, it could be a welcome addition to the roster of baseball broadcasters. And with Peacock already dabbling in Sunday streaming packages, adding baseball games to its lineup would round out its offerings.

All in all, these changes signal an exciting new era for how fans will experience MLB games. With more ways to watch and stream games than ever before, the future of baseball broadcasting looks bright.