After 35-Years, Sunday Night Baseball Ends On ESPN

On Sunday night, ESPN aired its final telecast of Sunday Night Baseball, concluding a 35-year run as Major League Baseball’s (MLB) marquee primetime broadcast without any on-air acknowledgment or fanfare. 

The iconic series, which has been a staple for baseball fans since its debut in 1990, is now set to transition to NBC next season. 

Curiously, neither ESPN nor MLB addressed the milestone or the upcoming shift during the broadcast, leaving viewers in the dark about the change.

This lack of communication is particularly striking given that MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred confirmed last week that the league has secured three-year media rights agreements with ESPN, NBC, and Netflix. 

Iconic broadcasters Jon Miller, Joe Morgan

According to sources familiar with the deals, term sheets for these partnerships were signed roughly a month ago, a detail first reported to Varsity readers weeks prior. These agreements mark a significant shift in MLB’s broadcasting landscape, expanding its reach across multiple platforms.

Typically, media deals of this magnitude are announced once term sheets are signed, serving as a public commitment to bind the parties and preempt leaks. However, MLB has chosen to delay its official announcement until the long-form contracts are finalized. This cautious approach reflects the complexity of the agreements, as legal teams representing ESPN, NBC, and Netflix meticulously review the extensive documentation—a process that can take months. 

As is often the case in such high-stakes negotiations, the lawyers emerge as key beneficiaries, navigating the intricate details to ensure all parties’ interests are protected.

The transition of Sunday Night Baseball to NBC represents a new chapter for MLB’s primetime presence. While ESPN will continue to hold some MLB broadcasting rights under the new deal, losing Sunday Night Baseball marks the end of a significant era for the network, which has long been synonymous with the sport’s biggest moments. 

NBC, which previously aired MLB games, including the World Series, in the 1990s, is poised to bring its own production style and reach to the franchise. Meanwhile, Netflix’s entry into the mix signals MLB’s push to embrace streaming platforms, aligning with evolving viewer habits.

Since its inception, Sunday Night Baseball has featured iconic moments, legendary calls, and a platform for stars like Jon Miller, Joe Morgan, and later broadcasters like Dan Shulman and Jessica Mendoza.