MLB and ESPN Set to End Decades-Long Partnership
The League Seeks New Avenues for Broadcasting Rights
After a 35-year collaboration, ESPN and Major League Baseball are ending their broadcasting partnership. The move comes ahead of the 2025 season, hinting at a shift in the landscape of televised baseball and the league’s strategy for attracting new media investment.
A Mutual Decision?
The agreement between ESPN and MLB will cease after the 2025 season, according to an announcement made on Thursday. MLB indicated it was dismayed by ESPN’s reduced coverage of baseball. ESPN, conversely, has stated it is grateful for the long-standing relationship. However, a source close to the negotiations indicated that ESPN exercised an opt-out clause.
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“Given that MLB provides strong viewership, valuable demographics, and the exclusive right to cover unique events like the Home Run Derby, ESPN’s demand to reduce rights fees is simply unacceptable. As a result, we have mutually agreed to terminate our agreement,”
—MLB Statement
MLB’s media rights market has become increasingly lucrative, with live sports drawing consistent ratings. In 2023, the MLB saw over 70 million fans attend games, reflecting continued interest (MLB 2024).
The Financial Stakes
The ESPN-MLB deal, valued at around $550 million per season, was the second-largest of the league’s national TV rights packages. It was scheduled to run until the end of the 2028 season. This deal included 30 nationally televised games, including “Sunday Night Baseball” and the Home Run Derby.
MLB’s Future Plans
MLB anticipates significant interest from various media companies. The league is leveraging the current momentum, driven by talented players and rule changes that have improved the pace of play. They are exploring options for a new agreement, which will start in 2026 after ESPN’s current contract concludes.
ESPN aims to stay engaged with MLB, but sources say the network is exploring other programming options, such as the NHL Playoffs and the growing WNBA, to attract viewers. The source noted the economics of the deal no longer provided a solid return on investment.
