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David Cone Leaves ESPN as MLB Rights Shift, Plans More YES Network Games

Cone cites ESPN’s new weeknight schedule conflicting with his Yankees duties.

Overview

  • ESPN confirmed Cone will not return to its MLB coverage as the network restructures its package.
  • Cone said he expects to call up to 60 Yankees games on YES in 2026, up from fewer than 40 last season.
  • NBC assumes Sunday Night Baseball this year, while ESPN moves to a roughly 30-game, weeknight-focused slate.
  • Cone’s local commitments made weekday national games impractical, and ESPN declined to extend his contract during a broader talent reassessment.
  • Cone said he is not currently joining NBC’s MLB crew, and ESPN has not announced decisions on Karl Ravech, Eduardo Perez or Buster Olney.