Streaming giant Netflix reportedly sets sights on acquiring MLB Home Run Derby rights following ESPN's departure from long-term media rights deal
Netflix and Major League Baseball in Potential Partnership
Streaming giant Netflix is reportedly exploring a deal to acquire the rights to the MLB Home Run Derby, with a potential interest in other baseball programming as well. This news comes as Major League Baseball (MLB) looks to offer its media rights packages to multiple bidders, following ESPN's exit from its deal.
ESPN, a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, has ended its contract with MLB due to cost-cutting measures. However, the sports broadcaster might not entirely sever ties with MLB, as it considers a scaled-down package for its direct-to-consumer streaming service.
The Home Run Derby, an annual event that takes place every summer leading up to the MLB All-Star Game, is at the centre of the potential deal. Last year, Netflix hosted the highly-anticipated boxing match between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson, which faced some technical issues but still drew strong viewership.
If Netflix secures the rights to the Home Run Derby, it would join its existing live sports offerings, which include NFL games on Christmas Day and WWE's Monday Night Raw. Apple TV+, another contender, already has an arrangement with MLB, offering "Friday Night Baseball" to its subscribers.
However, as of now, no finalized agreement has been announced between Netflix and MLB. Talks are ongoing with the streaming giant alongside other interested parties like NBC, Apple TV+, Fox, and ESPN. Netflix did not immediately respond to a request for more information regarding its potential deal with MLB.
Meanwhile, the MLB has announced that the 2026 All-Star Game will be held at Philadelphia's Citizens Bank Park, while the 2027 All-Star game will be played at Chicago's Wrigley Field. The 2027 and 2031 FIFA Women's World Cup will also be available to Netflix subscribers in the U.S.
Sources familiar with the talks have also suggested that Netflix is potentially interested in carrying other baseball programming in addition to the derby. The MLB recently announced that the 2027 All-Star game will be played at Chicago's Wrigley Field, adding another exciting event to the potential partnership between Netflix and MLB.
Netflix is considering acquiring the rights to not only the MLB Home Run Derby but also other baseball programming, as part of an ongoing partnership negotiation with Major League Baseball. If successful, this partnership could add MLB games to Netflix's live sports offerings, potentially including the 2027 All-Star game scheduled at Chicago's Wrigley Field.
