MLB and ESPN have jointly decided to end their television agreement after the conclusion of the 2025 season, three years early. The decision comes amidst a dispute over licensing fees, with ESPN citing its high cost as the main reason for the split.
The two sides were unable to reach an agreement on a new deal, with ESPN feeling that the $550 million in annual fees was too expensive. MLB countered that ESPN’s reduced coverage of baseball games over the years contributed to their desire to end the agreement.
The breakdown of the deal has significant implications for the upcoming Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). The loss of ESPN’s coverage and revenue will likely make it harder for owners to reduce spending on player salaries, which is a major point of contention in the next CBA negotiations. With the league facing pressure to decrease spending, the removal of $550 million from the deal could exacerbate the situation.
This development comes as MLB has already been exploring alternative broadcasting deals, including one with Apple for Friday night games priced at just $85 million. The loss of revenue from ESPN’s coverage will be a significant blow to the league, and it remains to be seen how they will adapt in the coming years.
Source: https://www.pinstripealley.com/2025/2/22/24370025/mlb-espn-broadcast-sunday-night-baseball-opt-out