Overview
- Netflix is in active discussions to carry the 2026 Home Run Derby under its one-off sports event approach
- The Derby became available after ESPN opted out of its $550 million-per-year package covering Sunday Night Baseball, Wild Card games and the All-Star events
- MLB plans to distribute the remaining rights among NBCUniversal/Peacock, Apple TV+, Fox Sports, ESPN and other bidders to replace ESPN’s vacated inventory
- Netflix’s growing live sports lineup already includes Christmas Day NFL games and U.S. rights to the 2027 and 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cups
- League executives aim to finalize short-term deals through 2028 while preparing for a full broadcast rights auction in the next cycle