In a major shift for sports broadcasting, ESPN and Major League Baseball (MLB) are parting ways after the 2025 season, ending a 35-year partnership that has been a staple of sports television. The move puts some of MLB’s most valuable media rights back on the market as the league explores new distribution opportunities.
According to multiple sources, the decision comes at a critical time for ESPN, which is preparing to launch its own direct-to-consumer streaming service later this year. While the network has long been a destination for MLB coverage, the increasing cost of rights fees and ESPN’s evolving digital strategy likely influenced the decision to step away.
“We are grateful for our longstanding relationship with Major League Baseball and proud of the coverage we’ve provided for fans,” an ESPN spokesperson said in a statement. “As we continue to expand our audience across linear, digital, and social platforms, we remain open to exploring new ways to serve MLB fans beyond 2025.”
Insiders suggest that the decision was mutual, with MLB eager to test the waters and potentially strike new media deals that align with the changing landscape of sports broadcasting.
ESPN’s New Game Plan
While ESPN has let go of some major rights, such as the Big Ten Conference and now MLB, it has been aggressive in securing other high-value deals, including:
- A massive NBA contract renewal
- Expanded rights for NCAA women’s sports, including March Madness
- Potential partnerships with regional sports networks to bolster its upcoming streaming platform
For MLB, this could mean new distribution models, with streaming services or other major broadcasters stepping in to acquire rights. Fox, Apple, Amazon, and Warner Bros. Discovery have all shown interest in live sports deals, making MLB’s next move an intriguing one to watch.
With sports broadcasting evolving rapidly, the ESPN-MLB breakup signals a shift in how major leagues and networks adapt to streaming, digital-first strategies, and rising content costs. While baseball fans may no longer tune into ESPN for games, the next chapter for MLB’s media presence is just beginning.
Spring Training games begin February 22nd.
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