Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred is facing a critical decision regarding his contract with ESPN, which will opt-out after this year due to the escalating sports media rights crisis. With the sport’s national and local exposure dwindling, MLB needs an alternative solution to secure its broadcast future.
MLB has already experimented with various streaming deals, including those with Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Peacock, Apple, and Roku, but none have proven successful. The current contracts with these platforms are set to expire, leaving the league vulnerable to further financial losses.
In a memo to owners, Manfred stated that it’s “fiscally irresponsible” for ESPN to opt-out, as the network has become an essential platform for baseball broadcasting. However, the commissioner also emphasized the need for MLB to explore new alternatives and secure better deals.
One potential solution could be Amazon Prime Video or Apple, which have already shown interest in acquiring national regular-season games. While these options hold promise, they are untested and may require significant investment to prove successful.
MLB’s struggles with sponsorship and advertising revenue also underscore the need for a comprehensive solution. The league must find ways to maintain fan engagement and generate revenue through digital platforms.
As ESPN launches its direct-to-consumer platform this summer, Manfred must navigate these challenges and prioritize finding a viable alternative. With the collective bargaining agreement with players set to expire in December 2026, MLB’s future broadcast landscape hangs in the balance.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6150314/2025/02/21/mlb-ends-deal-espn-rob-manfred-jimmy-pitaro-roku