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NBCUniversal Enters Talks to Acquire ESPN's MLB Broadcast Rights

Comcast's bid targets Sunday Night Baseball, the Home Run Derby, and playoff games as MLB evaluates offers below ESPN's $550 million annual deal.

Overview

  • NBCUniversal is in early negotiations with MLB to acquire ESPN's expiring broadcast rights package, including Sunday Night Baseball, the Home Run Derby, and the Wild Card round.
  • Comcast's bid excludes international and radio rights and is reported to be significantly lower than the $550 million per year ESPN currently pays.
  • ESPN opted out of its seven-year MLB contract in February 2025, citing financial challenges from smaller streaming deals with Apple and Roku.
  • NBC plans to integrate Sunday Night Baseball into its year-round Sunday night sports lineup, which already features NFL and NBA games.
  • Other media companies, including Fox, Warner Bros. Discovery, and Roku, have also expressed interest in MLB's broadcast rights as the league explores new partnerships.