ESPN is set to terminate its coverage of Major League Baseball games, with this phase of their partnership ending after the conclusion of the 2025 season.
ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro notified baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred that the network has decided to opt out of the remaining three years of their contract, which was formally acknowledged by both ESPN and MLB in statements released to the public.
The mutual decision aligns with a March 1 deadline that both MLB and ESPN had for opting out of the contract, which began in 2021 and was valued at an average of $550 million per year over seven years. MLB expressed disappointment in the reduced coverage and investment from ESPN, commenting on how it does not align with the sport’s attraction or performance. The league’s statement reflected frustration over the demand for reduced rights fees, pointing out that MLB offers substantial viewership numbers and unique events like the Home Run Derby.
According to Manfred, both parties have mutually agreed to this termination, as indicated in a memo directed at baseball owners. Since beginning its association with MLB in 1990, ESPN has gradually reduced its coverage; currently, they are airing only 30 regular-season games, primarily on Sunday nights, along with postseason Wild Card series, the Home Run Derby, and ten spring training games. Contrast this with the previous deal that allowed them to broadcast up to 90 regular-season games and maintain a daily “Baseball Tonight” show until its cancellation in 2017.
In its statement, ESPN expressed gratitude for its lengthy relationship with MLB, highlighting how its coverage has benefitted fans. The network emphasized its commitment to maintaining fiscal responsibility amid changing viewer habits, stating that it remains open to exploring new ways to engage MLB fans after 2025.
Despite the termination of the contract, ESPN continues to hold rights with all four major U.S. professional leagues, although its reach has diminished over the years. It is preparing to pay an average of $1.4 billion annually for the next NBA contract beginning next season, alongside its ongoing NFL deal, which costs $2.7 billion per season until 2032.
Under separate deals, MLB secures around $729 million from Fox and $470 million from Turner Sports, both expiring after the 2028 season. ESPN may contemplate a partnership with diminished rights fees following the recent agreements made by Apple and Roku; Apple’s arrangement costs $85 million per year while Roku’s deal is valued at $10 million for Sunday games.
Manfred’s memo highlighted the decline in ESPN’s household availability, which dropped to 53.6 million homes as of December 2024, down from over 100 million in 2011 and 69 million when the current deal was executed in 2021. Despite the decline, ESPN still offers a greater access point than Apple and Roku. Subsequently, Manfred articulated that accepting a smaller deal would not be in MLB’s best interest given the precarious nature of ESPN’s distribution. Rather, he suggested that marquee games should be showcased on new broadcasting and streaming platforms, enhancing visibility and reach.
MLB has also noted an increase in interest from traditional and streaming media entities eager to obtain rights for MLB games, a promising sign for future negotiations. Manfred has articulated a desire for MLB to pursue a more national strategy for rights distribution, reducing reliance on regional sports networks, and maximizing exposure to a broader audience.
In summary, the current arrangement between ESPN and MLB will conclude as both entities focus on future partnerships, with MLB exploring opportunities that align better with a more national audience while inspiring greater engagement with digital platforms.
