MLB and ESPN are facing uncertainty after ESPN opted out of their broadcasting deal with the league. MLB rejected ESPN's request to bring back midweek baseball and renegotiate the $550 million-per-season deal at a lower price. MLB is exploring new rights partnerships with streaming giants like Netflix and Amazon, as well as NBC, in preparation for the 2028 auction of national rights. Despite interest from ESPN, MLB is focused on expanding its broadcasting options beyond traditional networks due to teams having their own network distribution.
Source: https://nypost.com/2025/02/25/sports/what-led-to-espn-and-mlbs-messy-breakup/