As Major League Baseball seeks new suitors for its ESPN media rights package, Disney’s sports network appears determined to remain in the conversation. Recently, ESPN opted out of the last three seasons of its contract with MLB, aiming to reduce its rights fee from $550 million to $200 million. Following this move, a memo obtained by The Athletic revealed that MLB commissioner Rob Manfred criticized ESPN, stating, “We do not think it’s beneficial for us to accept a smaller deal to remain on a shrinking platform.”
Although ESPN is experiencing a decline in cable subscribers, it remains a prime destination for major sporting events such as the NBA Finals, College Football Championship, and upcoming Super Bowls. As reported by The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand, Manfred’s remarks took ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro by surprise. “We love the sport,” Pitaro expressed. “We love the league. If they are interested in re-engaging with us when the time is right, we’ll be ready to have that conversation. We do have this entire season, so there is time.”
Pitaro also acknowledged the unexpected nature of Manfred’s comments, emphasizing, “To be honest with you, I don’t know where they stand. They made some statements once we opted out that were not flattering. We’re grown-ups. We’re unemotional. You kind of grin and bear it, and you move on from that.” He reiterated, “I was caught a bit by surprise by some of those comments, but, at the same time, I’ve got to keep emotion out of it. I have to do what’s best for the business. If folks on that side are interested in re-engaging, we’re always going to listen.”
For this season, ESPN’s package includes Opening Day, Sunday Night Baseball, the Home Run Derby, and several first-round playoff games. Since invoking the opt-out clause, MLB has been exploring other options, with Fox reportedly showing interest, while NBC, Amazon, and Netflix are also potential candidates for some or all of the media rights ESPN is relinquishing. Although finding new bidders willing to cover $550 million in fees may be challenging, it provides MLB with a head start in attracting prospects for 2028, when all its national rights will be available.
Despite this, ESPN is open to re-opening negotiations with MLB, as confirmed by Pitaro to The Athletic. This does not imply that ESPN intends to cover MLB in the same manner as it does the NFL or pay $550 million for a package with limited postseason games. However, if Manfred and Major League Baseball are willing to present a discounted package, Pitaro and ESPN would certainly be open to discussing it.
