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Netflix to Stream 2026 MLB Opening Night Exclusively as Yankees Face Giants

The reported three-year pact reflects MLB’s short-term rights shuffle after ESPN opted out.

A Netflix logo is pictured in Los Angeles, California, U.S., February 23, 2025. REUTERS/Mike Blake/File photo
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - SEPTEMBER 19: Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees warms up while on deck to bat against the Baltimore Orioles during the first inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on September 19, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Jess Rapfogel/Getty Images)
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Overview

  • Netflix will carry the standalone March 25, 2026 opener between the Yankees and Giants at Oracle Park, the only MLB game scheduled that day.
  • The reported 2026–28 deal gives Netflix the Home Run Derby and select special‑event games, with some of those contests expected to be shared with NBC/Peacock.
  • Reporting from The Athletic pegs Netflix’s payment to MLB at roughly $225–$250 million per year.
  • The package fits into MLB’s reallocation of former ESPN inventory, with NBC taking Sunday Night Baseball and the Wild Card round and ESPN shifting to weekday games and licensing MLB.tv, with deals described as agreements in principle.
  • Despite Opening Night exclusivity, most Yankees games in 2026 will air on YES, with additional local streams on Amazon Prime Video and national windows on Fox, Apple TV+, TNT Sports, ESPN, and NBC.