MLB, ESPN Agree to Drop National TV Contract Following 2025 Season

[NewsCopy]

It appears MLB will enter the 2026 campaign as a free agent looking to land a new national television deal.

The Athletic's Evan Drellich reported Thursday that MLB and ESPN have "mutually agreed" to end their national television contract after the 2025 season.

In a letter obtained by The Athletic, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred noted that the league has "not been pleased with the minimal coverage that MLB has received on ESPN’s platforms over the past several years outside of the actual live game coverage." However, a future deal between MLB and ESPN is not out of the question.

MSN

[R1Letterman]

In 2026 no more MLB on espn, will that free up more announcers and crew for UL games?

[Turbine]

MLB will still find a way to get their games out, just not on ESPN

[fanof71]

In 2026 no more MLB on espn, will that free up more announcers and crew for UL games?

What kind of meds are you on?

[CAJUNSby90]

What kind of meds are you on?

He's off his meds, that's the issue.

[Turbine]

In 2026 no more MLB on espn, will that free up more announcers and crew for UL games?

It could eventually lead to more college baseball coverage between the middle of March and the middle of July.

It could lead to them moving on my July 3rd and 4th World Series suggestion.

[R1Letterman]

It could eventually lead to more college baseball coverage between the middle of March and the middle of July.

It could lead to them moving on my July 3rd and 4th World Series suggestion.

Hmmm. Good point.

[R1Letterman]

It could eventually lead to more college baseball coverage between the middle of March and the middle of July.

It could lead to them moving on my July 3rd and 4th World Series suggestion.

I hope you get a cut. Unless they make you pay for it too.

[R1Letterman]

Did I miss something? Online schedule still shows ESPN+ tonight. No video Sat or Sun.

2026

[ZoomZoom]

In 2026 no more MLB on espn, will that free up more announcers and crew for UL games?

I’ll have what he’s smoking…