MLB Media Rights: Apple, NBC, and ESPN in Talks for Sunday Night Baseball and Postseason Games
Apple and NBC are in the running for the rights to MLB's "Sunday Night Baseball" package, as well as potentially Wild Card postseason games. Netflix and ESPN are also in discussions with MLB. ESPN previously held the rights to "Sunday Night Baseball" until they mutually opted out of the contract, which now expires after the 2025 season. Apple and NBC are looking to secure the final three seasons, while ESPN may negotiate a new weekday package.
Apple TV+ currently streams MLB's Friday Night Baseball games and could potentially offer Sunday Night Baseball if they win the rights. ESPN also had the rights to the Wild Card Series, so Apple might acquire those postseason games too. MLB could decide to split the rights between Sunday Night and Wild Card games. Netflix is a top contender for MLB's annual Home Run Derby.
After the 2028 season, all regional and national MLB media rights will expire, and the league aims to offer a comprehensive package of rights. Apple is interested in such a package, which could allow them to provide an MLB equivalent of MLS Season Pass through the Apple TV app. However, the size of MLB compared to MLS may impact negotiations between MLB and Apple.
Apple is expanding its sports content offerings and is expected to secure the rights to Formula 1 racing. While they previously bid unsuccessfully for the NFL's "Sunday Ticket" package and the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, they continue to pursue sports content opportunities. Apple TV+ subscribers can watch Thomas Müller's MLS debut with the Vancouver Whitecaps FC for free this Sunday as he faces the Houston Dynamo FC at 6 p.m. Pacific Time.