Netflix lands MLB live events: Opening Night, Home Run Derby and select specials

Netflix has struck a three-year deal to stream live Major League Baseball content — its first time showing live MLB games. The agreement covers a new Opening Night game the evening before Opening Day, the T‑Mobile Home Run Derby, and select special events during the season, including the 2026 MLB at Field of Dreams Game and the World Baseball Classic in Japan.

While this marks Netflix’s entry into live baseball, the package is limited compared with traditional broadcasters. Apple TV will continue to hold rights to Friday night games, and ESPN and NBCUniversal properties will also host other matchups under a reorganized broadcast plan. That fragmentation means viewers may need to check multiple services to follow different games.

Why this matters

• It’s Netflix’s first live MLB content — part of a broader push into live events and sports after recent NFL and FIFA Women’s World Cup deals.
• The pick of high-profile events (Opening Night, Home Run Derby) gives Netflix marquee moments without committing to a full slate of regular-season games.
• Distribution is increasingly fragmented across streaming platforms, making it harder for viewers to find which service carries specific games.

What to watch for

• How Netflix packages and promotes live games (simulcast, exclusive pregame content, or integrated features for subscribers).
• Whether Amazon, Apple, Peacock, or other streamers pursue more live sports rights to build appointment viewing on their platforms.
• How league blackout rules and local rights will affect accessibility for fans, and whether bundles or promos ease friction for subscribers.

For fans, Netflix’s limited but high-profile entry into MLB offers new viewing options — especially for big events — but it also underscores a growing trend: live sports are being parceled out across many platforms. That’s good for rights holders and streamers, but it can complicate access for viewers.

See the MLB and Netflix press pages for official details (opens in a new tab): MLB | Netflix Media Center.

Discussion: Will you stream MLB events on Netflix for marquee matchups, or prefer traditional broadcasters? How do you feel about sports rights being spread across so many platforms?