Disney’s ESPN has reached a new agreement with Major League Baseball including exclusive rights to MLB.TV, as well as a range of national rights and local rights. The deal is effective from 2026 through 2028 and was spearheaded by ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro and Baseball Commissioner Robert D. Manfred, Jr.
ESPN and MLB Deal
MLB.TV and its out-of-market games will soon stream live and on-demand on the ESPN App. They will also be available on MLB platforms in 2026. New and existing MLB.TV subscribers will be able to access the service on the ESPN App and through MLB platforms. New MLB.TV subscribers will be able to purchase directly through the ESPN App. MLB.TV subscribers will have access to MLB Network.
ESPN has acquired exclusive, local in-market streaming rights for MLB Clubs, which include the San Diego Padres, Cleveland Guardians, Seattle Mariners, Minnesota Twins, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Colorado Rockies. The games will be available to purchase and stream on MLB platforms in 2026.
ESPN will also deliver more than 150 out-of-market regular season games every season with a special “game of the day” offering for subscribers to the ESPN Unlimited plan.
ESPN will produce a new, exclusive package of 30 national regular-season MLB games each year for its linear networks and direct-to-consumer offering. This will be primarily weeknight games with a focus on the core summer months. ESPN will maintain exclusive rights to the MLB Little League Classic presented by New York Life as part of Little League World Series coverage. They have added rights to Memorial Day games and second-half opener games.
The existing audio package will continue on ESPN Radio and ESPN’s MLB studio rights for Baseball Tonight continue. ESPN retains Spanish-language rights for the new linear games packages.
“This fan-friendly agreement allows us to showcase the great sport of baseball on both a local and national level,” said Pitaro, “while prioritizing our streaming future. MLB.TV is a coveted, must-have companion for passionate MLB fans all over the country, and it will be strongly complemented by our national game package and in-market team rights – all within the ESPN App.”
Manfred, Jr. said, “This new agreement with ESPN marks a significant evolution in our more than 30-year relationship. Bringing MLB.TV to ESPN’s new app while maintaining a presence on linear television reflects a balanced approach to the shifts taking place in the way that fans watch baseball and gives MLB a meaningful presence on an important destination for fans of all sports.”
For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.