Apple TV+ is reportedly still negotiating with Major League Baseball (MLB) to secure rights for Sunday Night Baseball. The league is finalizing new broadcast deals and is in discussions with multiple platforms, including NBC, Peacock, ESPN, and Netflix .
NBC/Peacock and Apple TV+ are considered the strongest contenders for both Sunday night broadcasts and early playoff games. Meanwhile, ESPN may add weekday matchups, while Netflix could take on the Home Run Derby .
ESPN Steps Back, Opening the Door
The rights package up for grabs was previously held by ESPN. In February, the network ended its seven-year deal three years early. That package included Sunday Night Baseball, the Home Run Derby, and eight to twelve first-round playoff games annually .
ESPN had been paying an average of $550 million per year for those rights. Its early exit created new opportunities for competitors eager to strengthen their sports streaming portfolios.
Financial Stakes in the Negotiations
MLB was expecting $570 million for the upcoming season from ESPN’s original deal, reflecting incremental increases each year. Negotiators are now working to ensure that the new agreements match or exceed that figure .
Industry experts say the contracts will likely cover three seasons, and MLB may split rights across multiple partners to maximize revenue. This strategy could give Apple TV+ a strong foothold in live sports while allowing other networks to maintain a presence.
What It Means for Fans
If Apple TV+ secures the rights, it would mark a significant expansion of the platform’s sports content. Fans could see Apple stream marquee MLB events, including primetime games and playoff action. For MLB, diversifying broadcast partners could boost both revenue and global reach.
While no final deal has been announced, one thing is clear: the competition for America’s pastime is heating up, and streaming services are at the center of the game.
