Contract Termination
and (MLB) have agreed to end their national television deal early, concluding coverage at the end of the 2025 season, after a partnership that started in 1990.
The decision follows ESPN's reduction in MLB coverage and investment, which stated was inconsistent with the sport's appeal and performance on ESPN's platform.
Future Opportunities and Industry Impact
MLB is exploring new broadcasting agreements for the 2026 season, citing increased interest from traditional media and streaming services, amidst a backdrop of growing fan engagement and viewership.
The split opens up a significant opportunity in the sports broadcasting market, with ESPN expressing interest in future MLB rights under different terms, while also focusing on its upcoming direct-to-consumer product launch.