Netflix Inc. is reportedly in discussions with Major League Baseball (MLB) to acquire streaming rights for the annual Home Run Derby, following ESPN's decision to opt out of its broadcasting deal in February 2025.
The Home Run Derby, a high-profile event during the MLB All-Star festivities, has been a staple on ESPN since 1998 but was left without a broadcast partner for the 2026 season after ESPN ended its seven-year, $550 million annual contract, which also included Sunday Night Baseball, the Wild Card playoffs, and other inventory.
According to Bloomberg, sources indicate Netflix’s interest aligns with its strategy of pursuing high-profile, one-off sports events rather than full-season packages, as seen with its NFL Christmas Day games and upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup broadcasts in 2027 and 2031.
There’s also speculation that Netflix may explore additional MLB programming, though talks are primarily focused on the Derby.
MLB is actively seeking new partners to replace ESPN’s package, with other contenders like Amazon, Comcast (NBC/Peacock), Apple, and Fox Sports also in discussions. Fox has expressed interest in pairing the Home Run Derby with its existing All-Star Game rights to create a marquee two-day event. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has indicated the league may split the rights among multiple broadcasters and aims to finalize a deal soon, potentially including local rights for teams like the Arizona Diamondbacks and San Diego Padres. However, no agreement is imminent, and discussions may extend to broader media rights expiring in 2028.