ESPN Ends 35-Year Partnership with MLB Over Financial Disputes

Major League Baseball and ESPN part ways after disagreements on rights fees and perceived undervaluation of the sport.

ESPN opted out of its MLB broadcasting contract two years early, citing financial concerns over the $550 million annual rights fee.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred criticized ESPN for reduced airtime and coverage of baseball outside live game broadcasts.
Manfred highlighted growing MLB viewership, including a 6% increase in Sunday Night Baseball ratings in 2024, as justification for maintaining higher rights fees.
Fans expressed mixed reactions, with many celebrating the split due to dissatisfaction with ESPN's baseball coverage.
MLB is exploring new broadcasting partners, with potential interest from streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video and traditional networks like Fox Sports.