Speculation regarding the future home of ESPN’s MLB rights package after the 2025 season is creating considerable buzz as the league approaches Opening Day. One element of this package, the Home Run Derby, has garnered significant attention due to growing interest from various networks, and now a potential price tag for the event is emerging.
On his Marchand Sports Media podcast, The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand shared that the Home Run Derby could sell for between $30 and $50 million as a standalone event. Earlier, he noted that Fox has expressed interest in acquiring the Derby to complement the All-Star Game, which they currently broadcast. Additionally, there has been speculation that Netflix, known for its focus on high-profile one-off events, might also be a potential buyer for the Derby.
However, as Marchand points out, MLB is facing a dilemma about whether to separate the Home Run Derby from the main rights package. Doing so might diminish the appeal of other rights deals and could set expectations for potential bidders in 2028 when MLB looks to sell the remainder of its national media rights inventory. “If you take out the Home Run Derby and sell that separately,” Marchand explains, “you’re going to have a price on that. Now, people have told me it’s anywhere from $30 to $50 million. That’s a solid figure. But when you reach 2028, do you want that number already assigned, or do you prefer to incorporate it into a broader package?”
This presents a valid concern. MLB arguably could secure more revenue by breaking out the Home Run Derby as a separate package now, but it might restrict their future options. Marchand further notes that “most people don’t want a three-year contract” anyway; MLB would probably only want to offer the Derby individually for a short term, likely rolling it back into a larger package by the time 2028 arrives. Ultimately, MLB will need to determine if there is a potential buyer interested in this approach.
