MLB Ends 35-Year Partnership With ESPN Over Rights Fee Dispute

The league rejects a steep pay cut from ESPN and explores new broadcast and streaming partners for its games.

ESPN proposed reducing its annual payment to MLB from $550 million to $200 million, prompting the league to end the partnership after 35 years.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred criticized ESPN for undervaluing baseball while paying $2.6 billion annually for NBA rights, despite MLB's strong local ratings.
The league is now in discussions with potential new partners, including NBC, Amazon, and Netflix, to secure a deal that matches or exceeds its previous agreement.
ESPN's declining coverage of baseball and shifting focus to the NBA were factors in the breakdown of negotiations, according to reports.
MLB aims to leverage its strong regional popularity and explore blackout-free streaming options to attract fans and enhance viewership.