Major League Baseball Lands Exclusive NBC and Peacock Deal for 2026
Major League Baseball (MLB) has secured an exclusive media rights agreement with NBCUniversal that will last for three years, commencing in 2026. Under this deal, significant MLB events will air on NBC, NBC Sports Network (NBCSN), and Peacock.
New MLB Media Agreement Details
The partnership features a range of exclusive broadcasts, including:
- Primetime “Opening Day” game on March 26, 2026
- Sunday Night Baseball with 25 primetime games each year
- The entire Wild Card round of the postseason
- Labor Day primetime games exclusively on NBC/Peacock
- MLB Sunday Leadoff featuring 18 games
Key Dates and Features
The 2026 MLB season begins with the World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers raising their championship banner in a matchup against the Arizona Diamondbacks. This will be the only primetime MLB game on Opening Day.
The Sunday Night Baseball package will showcase MLB’s top stars and teams. The agreement aims to elevate the viewing experience by leveraging NBC Sports’ production quality and marketing strategies.
Additional highlights include:
- Peacock will stream an afternoon whip-around show following each MLB Sunday Leadoff game.
- A special event on July 5, 2026, will feature all 15 MLB games exclusively on Peacock and NBC.
- Telemundo Deportes will air games in Spanish, broadening access for diverse audiences.
Long-standing MLB and NBC Partnership
This new deal rekindles a historic relationship between MLB and NBC. The network has aired iconic moments, including the first-ever televised World Series in 1947 and numerous All-Star Games.
Baseball Commissioner Robert D. Manfred, Jr. expressed enthusiasm about MLB’s return to NBC, citing the network’s commitment to storytelling and high production value. Rick Cordella, President of NBC Sports, stated that they look forward to honoring MLB’s past while establishing new traditions.
Impact on MLB Viewership
MLB is experiencing a resurgence in viewership, aided by recent rule changes aimed at enhancing gameplay speed and appeal. In 2025, the average game time dropped to 2:40, contributing to a 34% increase in total viewing hours.
Viewership surged across various platforms, with Game Seven of the 2025 World Series drawing 51 million viewers. MLB.TV registered 19.4 billion minutes watched, highlighting the league’s growing audience, particularly among younger fans.
As MLB continues to foster community engagement through initiatives like MLB Together, it remains committed to enhancing its global footprint and connecting with baseball enthusiasts effectively.
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