• Loading stock data...
Friday, April 25, 2025

Why NBC Is a Natural Successor for ESPN’s Voided MLB Rights

One source told FOS that adding MLB “intrigues” NBC in part because the network could have a premium Sunday night sporting event all year long.

Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

MLB is currently hustling to get a chunk of its national live rights in order after ESPN opted out of its deal for Sunday Night Baseball, the Home Run Derby, and the wild-card playoff round. 

Last week, Puck’s John Ourand reported MLB has had “early” talks with companies including NBCUniversal, Netflix, and Amazon, but noted that the talks “are as focused on 2028, when all of baseball’s national rights go on the block” versus just encompassing the package that ESPN opted out of. 

One source told Front Office Sports that the idea of adding MLB “intrigues” NBC in part because it would mean that the network could have a premium live sporting event on Sunday nights all year long. NBC plans to build on the great success of Sunday Night Football by putting big NBA games in that slot after football season. Baseball could theoretically cover the remainder of the calendar. 

Nevertheless, another source posed a question of the obvious possible roadblock: “At what price?” 

An NBC spokesperson declined to comment. 

ESPN was slated to pay $550 million per year through 2028, and The Wall Street Journal reported the network was willing to commit “no more than $200 million a year.” Last year, ESPN’s Sunday night package averaged 1.51 million viewers for the season, its highest ratings since 2019. 

It has been widely reported that MLB rights deals where Apple pays $85 million for Friday night games and Roku pays $10 million for a Sunday package rankled ESPN. 

The Fit

MLB and NBC have a lengthy history together, as they were partners from 1947 to 1989 and 1994 to 2000. There was also a Sunday package on NBC’s Peacock streaming service from 2022 to 2023. 

NBC does a great job of presenting the NFL and the Olympics, with crisp production and broadcasters. It would be a great home for MLB if the financials made sense for both sides. 

September would be a tricky month for baseball due to Sunday Night Football, but NBC could air baseball and football in different windows, or put baseball on Peacock. The network also has NASCAR races on Sundays. 

“I think the market is going to be surprised at the enthusiasm and uptake on the interest in these sets of rights,” Braves chairman Terry McGuirk said, regarding the Sunday rights.

Fox has the biggest tranche of MLB rights, which includes the annual World Series package.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

MLB Speedway Classic rendering

Baseball Meets Bristol: Braves-Reds Game Aims for Record Crowd

Playing an MLB game inside a racetrack brings unique challenges.
exclusive

Fox, Shannon Sharpe Settled Physical Incident With Female PA

Sharpe’s reps confirm a past “physical” incident was settled by Fox.

Comcast Leans On Sports As Revenue Slides and Cord-Cutting Grows

NBC Sports’ rights portfolio remains a company bedrock.

NFL Network’s Jamie Erdahl on Draft Plan: ‘It’s Their Moment’

The “GMFB” host is taking part in draft coverage for the first time.

Featured Today

The Former NBA Agent Who Became a Pickleball Deputy Commissioner

Chris Patrick went from representing Jimmy Butler to pickleball deputy commissioner.
Apr 5, 2025; San Antonio, TX, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Cooper Flagg (2) reacts after a three point basket against the Houston Cougars during the first half in the semifinals of the men's Final Four of the 2025 NCAA Tournament at the Alamodome.
April 21, 2025

Cooper Flagg’s Timing Is Perfect for the NBA and USA Basketball

The projected No. 1 pick just declared for the draft.
Apr 14, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Paige Bueckers is interviewed by ESPN after being selected with the number one overall pick to the Dallas Wings in the 2025 WNBA Draft at The Shed at Hudson Yards
April 21, 2025

ESPN’s WNBA Coverage Mirrors the League’s Stunning Growth

“I don’t think we stand still in our coverage of women’s sports,” says Rowe.
Mar 16, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) celebrates with guard Isaiah Joe (11) after score in the fourth quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum.
April 20, 2025

Unorthodox OKC: The Thunder Redefined Tanking to Become NBA’s Best

A rebuild years in the making has OKC in the driver’s seat.
Cristina Daglas
exclusive

ESPN Executive Editor Cristina Daglas Out After HR Investigation

Daglas was placed on administrative leave in January.
exclusive
April 23, 2025

Fox, Julie Stewart-Binks Discussing Settlement Over Sexual Assault Suit

A court extended a deadline for Fox’s answer to May 9.
April 23, 2025

ESPN Nears Draft Rights Extension Amid NFL-Disney Talks

The league has not signed its next NFL Draft media-rights deals.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

This week, Two-time Super Bowl Champion and CBS NFL analyst Logan Ryan joins us to talk the business of sports on our third installment of Portfolio Players.
Shannon Sharpe
April 22, 2025

Shannon Sharpe Offered Accuser ‘At Least’ $10 Million to Settle

The sides are now tussling over the existence of a video.
Shannon Sharpe
April 22, 2025

Lawyers for Shannon Sharpe Accuser Release Alleged Audio of Choking Threats

The audio was sent to reporters Tuesday morning.
April 22, 2025

Logan Ryan on Tom Brady Broadcast Pivot: ‘Never Been Done’

Brady drew mixed reviews in his first season on Fox.
exclusive
April 18, 2025

Shannon Sharpe Eyes $100M+ Podcast Deal As Volume Contract Expires

Sharpe’s podcasts have exploded in popularity over the last several years.