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2h ago

Mariners to Shut Down ROOT Sports Northwest as MLB Takes Over Local Distribution in 2026

Cord-cutting pressure pushed the team to MLB’s centralized setup, leaving 2026 carriage and staffing unresolved.

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Sep 25, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Mitch Garver (18) shakes hands with pitcher Casey Legumina (64) following a victory against the Colorado Rockies inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images/File Photo
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Overview

  • The team confirmed ROOT Sports Northwest will sign off after the 2025 regular season, with more than 25 layoffs effective Nov. 3.
  • Beginning in 2026, Major League Baseball will handle distribution of Mariners games under the league’s centralized model.
  • Specific TV and streaming carriers for 2026 have not been announced, though MLB’s recent takeovers for other clubs kept linear broadcasts and added blackout‑free streaming options.
  • The Seattle Times reports the broadcast team is expected to remain largely the same, while the fate of ROOT production staff has not been determined.
  • Reports indicate ESPN may soon acquire certain MLB‑controlled local rights for out‑of‑market use, but any inclusion of the Mariners remains unconfirmed.