WASHINGTON (August 26, 2025) – Major League Baseball is advancing talks with NBCUniversal, Netflix, and ESPN on new media rights deals that could change how fans watch the sport. NBCUniversal is nearing a three year, $200 million-per-year pact to air Sunday night games on NBC and stream additional matchups on Peacock. Netflix is close to a $35 million annual agreement through 2028 to stream the Home Run Derby. ESPN is also negotiating a new package that could integrate MLB.TV into its upcoming direct-to-consumer service.
These agreements would increase MLB’s revenue compared to its current expiring deal with ESPN and highlight the competition for live sports content among broadcasters and streamers.
Lisa Delpy Neirotti, director of the MS in Sport Management Program at the George Washington University, can speak to the significance of these negotiations. With more than 30 years of experience studying the economics and media rights of major sporting events, Professor Neirotti offers expert insight into how MLB’s strategy reflects broader shifts in the business of sports and fan engagement.
On the topic, Neirotti said, “Never bet against MLB. The demand is still there. ESPN may have done MLB a favor by exiting their contract early.” To schedule an interview with Professor Neirotti, please contact Claire Sabin at claire [dot] sabin
gwu [dot] edu (claire[dot]sabin[at]gwu[dot]edu).
-GW-