Months after Major League Baseball (MLB) and ESPN exercised their opt-out clauses on their existing media rights agreement, the two parties have resumed negotiations. According to reports from The Athletic, these talks are still in their early stages and center around key elements of ESPN's previous broadcast package, notably local rights.
The previous deal, valued at $550 million annually, granted ESPN rights to "Sunday Night Baseball," the Home Run Derby, and several postseason games. This agreement is set to expire in October if a new deal isn't finalized. Both MLB and ESPN have declined to offer comment on the ongoing negotiations.
The initial opt-out began in February with ESPN citing concerns about rights fees, prompting a reciprocal opt-out from MLB. Commissioner Rob Manfred subsequently criticized ESPN's coverage beyond live games, referring to the network as a “shrinking platform” in an internal memo obtained by The Athletic. Despite this apparent tension, ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro has publicly stated his continued interest in maintaining a partnership with MLB, particularly regarding its forthcoming direct-to-consumer platform. Manfred has also expressed a desire to preserve the relationship, albeit under revised terms.
This season, "Sunday Night Baseball" has seen a notable eight percent increase in viewership. However, the competition for broadcasting rights is intense. Other major players like Apple TV+ and NBC are actively pursuing some of the available rights, including "Sunday Night Baseball" and early playoff games. MLB aims to complete these short-term agreements by mid-July to ensure coverage is secured through the 2028 season—the point at which its national deals with Fox and Warner Bros. Discovery are set to expire.
Looking beyond 2028, Manfred has hinted at a potential restructuring of MLB's media rights approach. This could involve a more streamlined model, combining national and local packages. ESPN is reportedly among those considered for MLB.TV distribution as part of this potential shift.