ESPN Takes Over MLB.tv, Expands In-Market Streaming

New media rights deal brings major changes to how fans can access MLB games.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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ESPN has officially taken control of Major League Baseball's out-of-market streaming service, MLB.tv, as part of a reworked media rights deal. Additionally, the league has made in-market streaming subscriptions available for 20 of its 30 clubs via the MLB App, as the decline of regional sports networks has left many teams without a long-term home for local TV broadcasts.

Why it matters

This deal represents a significant shift in how baseball fans can access live games, with ESPN now controlling the out-of-market streaming service and more teams offering in-market streaming options directly to consumers. It reflects the broader changes in the sports media landscape as traditional cable/satellite models give way to more direct-to-consumer streaming options.

The details

Under the new agreement, MLB.tv will be available for $149.99 for the season, or $134.99 for ESPN Unlimited subscribers. The league will also produce local broadcasts for 14 clubs in 2026, with another 6 clubs having distribution deals with regional sports networks. In total, 21 teams will offer in-market streaming subscriptions, with the Detroit Tigers to follow at a later date.

  • The new ESPN-MLB media rights deal went into effect on February 11, 2026.
  • MLB confirmed the in-market streaming availability for 20 teams on February 11, 2026.

The players

ESPN

The sports media giant that has taken control of MLB's out-of-market streaming service, MLB.tv, as part of a reworked media rights deal.

Major League Baseball

The professional baseball league that has made in-market streaming subscriptions available for 20 of its 30 clubs, as regional sports networks continue to decline.

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The takeaway

This deal represents a significant shift in how baseball fans can access live games, with more teams offering direct-to-consumer streaming options as the traditional cable/satellite model continues to evolve. The changes reflect the broader transformation of the sports media landscape, as leagues and networks adapt to changing consumer preferences and habits.