The Big Lead

ESPN and Major League Baseball Part Ways: What’s Next for the Sport’s Media Landscape?

WATCH ON THE BIG LEAD PODCAST

By John Robinson IV

Oct 30, 2024; New York, New York, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17) reacts after striking out during the fifth inning against the New York Yankees in game four of the 2024 MLB World Series at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Oct 30, 2024; New York, New York, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17) reacts after striking out during the fifth inning against the New York Yankees in game four of the 2024 MLB World Series at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images / Brad Penner-Imagn Images
facebooktwitter

In a major shake-up for the baseball broadcasting landscape, ESPN and Major League Baseball (MLB) will end their long-standing partnership after the 2025 season, concluding a 35-year relationship that has been a staple of national baseball coverage. The decision, described as mutual, reflects shifting priorities for both ESPN and MLB as they explore new media opportunities.

ESPN confirmed the split in an official statement, saying:

“We are grateful for our long-standing relationship with Major League Baseball and proud of how ESPN’s coverage has served fans. In making this decision, we applied the same discipline and fiscal responsibility that has built ESPN’s industry-leading live events portfolio. As always, we remain open to exploring new ways to serve MLB fans beyond 2025.”

The network’s decision to opt out of its $550 million annual agreement comes amid significant changes in the media industry, with streaming services like Apple TV+ and Roku expanding their sports programming. While MLB reportedly welcomes the opportunity to test the open market for a potentially better deal, the departure of ESPN raises concerns about baseball’s mainstream visibility.

The Changing Role of ESPN

Once synonymous with comprehensive sports coverage, ESPN’s recent strategy has focused heavily on the NFL, NBA, and major college sports, particularly the SEC. Baseball, once a centerpiece of ESPN programming, has taken a backseat in recent years, with fewer nationally televised games and reduced coverage on flagship shows like SportsCenter.

Longtime baseball fans recall the golden era of ESPN’s Baseball Tonight, hosted by Carl Ravich, alongside analysts like Peter Gammons. The show played a crucial role in shaping baseball discourse, but its decline mirrored the network’s shifting priorities. Some argue that ESPN’s reduced investment in baseball is a reflection of the sport’s evolving national appeal, while others see it as a misstep that could further marginalize MLB’s presence in mainstream media.

The Impact of Cord-Cutting

A key factor in ESPN’s decision is the rapid decline in traditional cable subscriptions. At its peak in 2011, ESPN was in 111 million households; today, that number has dropped to around 53 million. This trend has forced the network to reallocate resources toward digital platforms, social media, and streaming content, areas where baseball has struggled to maintain strong engagement.

Could ESPN and MLB Reignite Talks?

Despite the announcement, some industry insiders believe this might not be the definitive end of ESPN’s baseball coverage. According to The Athletic’s Evan Drellich, there is speculation that negotiations could resume before the current deal expires, particularly regarding Sunday Night Baseball.

“I’m not of the opinion that this is really the end of Sunday Night Baseball on ESPN,” Drellich said. “We’ve seen MLB and media companies go through difficult negotiations, only to reconcile later.”

While MLB has other broadcast partners such as Fox and TBS, ESPN’s unmatched reach across television, digital, and social media platforms remains a valuable asset. Some argue that the league would be making a mistake by fully severing ties, as it risks further regionalizing the sport’s audience.

What’s Next for Baseball on TV?

If MLB does move forward with a new media rights strategy, it will likely explore long-term deals beginning in 2028 when its contracts with Fox and other partners are up for renewal. The challenge will be finding a deal that balances financial incentives with national exposure.

For now, baseball fans must prepare for the possibility that ESPN’s presence in the sport could diminish significantly, marking the end of an era in baseball broadcasting. Whether this move ultimately benefits or harms the sport’s national appeal remains to be seen.