• Loading stock data...
Thursday, September 18, 2025

MLB Little League Classic Boosts Youth Development As Part Of $3.9B Deal

  • Youth baseball participation rates have almost fully recovered from pandemic
  • Up-close interaction that primetime event provides seen as key development tool
Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

MLB returns to Williamsport, Pennsylvania, on Sunday for the sixth installment of the MLB Little League Classic, looking to jumpstart youth development efforts that had stalled during the pandemic.

The primetime game between the Phillies and Nationals, played just a few miles from the Little League International Complex, is a key component of ESPN’s restructured, seven-year rights deal with MLB worth $3.9 billion — and runs alongside the network’s Little League World Series rights deal totaling about $10 million annually through 2030. 

The league continues to invest tens of millions annually in youth development efforts such as Play Ball and the MLB Urban Youth Academies. The MLB Little League Classic provides another large-scale opportunity to help reverse drops in baseball and softball participation rates during the public health crisis. 

Overall U.S. youth participation in baseball in 2022 rebounded to 15.5 million, according to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association, about equal with the 2017 level. Casual participation, while up 7% to 7.91 million in 2022, hasn’t quite returned to pre-pandemic levels.

“The pandemic was definitely a setback, particularly since we’re a team sport,” Tony Reagins, MLB chief baseball development officer, told Front Office Sports. “We’ve almost completely recovered, and we see momentum having that sense of normalcy again, and the type of up-close interaction this event provides.”

MLB has always believed those playing baseball and softball as youths are more likely to become lifelong fans. The league’s 2023 attendance resurgence bears that out, as younger fans have dramatically reduced the median age of MLB ticket-buyers.

Alternate ‘KidsCast’

ESPN will again support its MLB Little League Classic coverage with an alternate “KidsCast” featuring youth commentators and offer increased pregame access to Phillies and Nationals players in Williamsport.

“This event has passed from a novelty into a core of what we do,” Phil Orlins, ESPN VP of production, told Front Office Sports.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Sep 13, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw (22) delivers a pitch against the San Francisco Giants in the first inning at Oracle Park.

Dodgers Pitcher Clayton Kershaw Retiring After 18 Seasons

Kershaw is fourth all-time in career earnings for a pitcher.
exclusive

Stan Verrett Joining FanDuel Sports Network in Multiple Roles

The former ESPN “SportsCenter” anchor has found a new home.

ESPN Draws Highest ‘MNF’ Doubleheader Audience Since 2015

Buccaneers–Texans and Chargers–Raiders averaged 13.5 million viewers.
Baseball

NCAA Settles With Volunteer Baseball Coaches for $49 Million

A similar suit brought by volunteer coaches of other sports remains open.

Featured Today

Adriunna Brown

Business Is Booming for WNBA’s Top Beauty Pros

A network of stylists is shaping how players look, feel, and perform.
Premier Lacrosse League
September 14, 2025

‘The Circus Is Coming to Town’: Why Upstart Leagues Start on Tour

In their ambitious plans, a traveling schedule is only temporary.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 19: A detailed view of the MLB Debut patch on the jersey of Patrick Monteverde #44 of the Miami Marlins prior to game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on April 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
September 13, 2025

The Tiny Jersey Patch at the Center of the MLB Rookie Card..

Autographed cards containing a piece of baseball history have upended the market.
September 11, 2025

Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Could Set More NFL Ratings Records

Fox will nationally televise Sunday afternoon’s matchup.

Ryder Cup: Secret Service Key to Smooth Trump Attendance

Trump’s attendance at the US Open delayed the men’s final.
September 16, 2025

Adam Silver Walks Back Claim He’d Never Heard of Aspiration

Adam Silver spoke at the Front Office Sports Tuned In summit.
Marina Mabrey
September 17, 2025

Adam Silver Defends WNBA Involvement in Sun Sale

Silver discussed the deal at Tuned In.
Sponsored

How World Series Champ Dexter Fowler Became a Premier League Team Owner

Dexter Fowler discusses navigating retirement and embracing new roles as an owner & investor.
Sep 14, 2025; Bridgeview, Illinois, USA; Portland Thorns FC midfielder Olivia Moultrie (13) kicks the ball past Chicago Stars FC defender Sam Staab (3) during the second half of a match at SeatGeek Stadium.
September 16, 2025

NWSL Beefs Up Media Deal With More CBS, ESPN, Adds Victory+

The NWSL has been locked into its existing deal since last year.
Sep 14, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Aces guard Jewell Loyd (24) gestures to a teammate after scoring against the Seattle Storm in the first quarter during game one of round one for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at Michelob Ultra Arena.
September 15, 2025

Aces Surge From Collapse to Contention With Dynasty at Stake

The turnaround started after a 53-point loss to the Minnesota Lynx.
September 15, 2025

Tush Push Debate Heats Up in Eagles Win, Ex-NFL Rules Chief Sounds..

The Eagles are continuing to run the quarterback-sneak play.
September 14, 2025

Most NFL Home Teams Opt to Honor Charlie Kirk Before Games

Several NFL teams playing at home on Sunday recognized the late activist. Some did not.