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Apple is reportedly in talks over MLB streaming rights.
Apple TV+ remains in negotiations for Sunday Night Baseball as MLB works to finalize new broadcast deals.
Major League Baseball is in negotiations with several broadcasters for new rights packages. Apple is among the platforms in consideration, alongside NBC, Peacock, ESPN, and Netflix.
NBC/Peacock and Apple TV+ are reportedly the leading contenders for Sunday Night Baseball and first-round playoff games. ESPN could add weekday games, while Netflix is a possible destination for the Home Run Derby.
The rights up for bid include those ESPN gave up in February, ending its seven-year contract three years early. The package covered the Home Run Derby, Sunday Night Baseball, and eight-to-twelve first-round playoff games each year.
ESPN had previously paid an average of $550 million per year for those rights. The network is now pursuing a new set of agreements with MLB.
According to the New York Times, officials familiar with the matter say talks are ongoing and no agreements have been finalized. The contracts are expected to span three seasons.
MLB was expecting $570 million for the upcoming season from ESPN’s original package, slightly higher than the prior average due to annual increases. Negotiators are now working to create additional inventory to match or exceed that figure.
The value of these broadcast agreements escalates over time. MLB’s current efforts aim to secure equivalent or greater value from multiple partners, potentially including Apple TV+.
