Matt Vasgersian to call MLB's Netflix debut, NBC's Opening Day broadcast

Veteran announcer to be featured on multiple platforms for start of 2026 MLB season

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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Veteran play-by-play announcer Matt Vasgersian will have a prominent role in the start of the 2026 MLB season, calling the league's debut broadcast on Netflix as well as NBC's Opening Day coverage. Vasgersian will handle play-by-play duties for the Netflix stream when the New York Yankees face the San Francisco Giants, while also calling the New York Mets vs. Pittsburgh Pirates matchup on NBC to kick off the new season.

Why it matters

Vasgersian's high-profile assignments across multiple platforms highlight the growing importance of streaming services like Netflix in the sports media landscape, as well as NBC's continued commitment to baseball coverage. His versatility and experience will be crucial as fans tune in to watch the start of the 2026 MLB season.

The details

In addition to the Netflix and NBC Opening Day broadcasts, Vasgersian will also serve as the featured play-by-play announcer for Peacock's 'MLB Sunday Leadoff' games when the service begins its Sunday morning coverage in May. NBC has already announced that Jason Benetti will be the voice of its 'Sunday Night Baseball' games, with the network planning to use local analysts for its morning and evening broadcasts.

  • The Netflix broadcast featuring the Yankees and Giants will take place on Wednesday, March 25 at 8:05 p.m. ET.
  • The NBC Opening Day broadcast of the Mets and Pirates will air on Thursday, March 26 at 1:15 p.m.

The players

Matt Vasgersian

A veteran play-by-play announcer who has worked for a variety of networks, including NBC, ESPN, and MLB Network, where he has been a stalwart for the past 17 years.

New York Yankees

One of the most iconic MLB franchises, the Yankees will be featured in the debut Netflix broadcast of the 2026 season.

San Francisco Giants

The Giants will host the Yankees in the Netflix broadcast, marking the streaming service's first foray into live MLB coverage.

New York Mets

The Mets will face the Pittsburgh Pirates in NBC's Opening Day broadcast to kick off the 2026 MLB season.

Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pirates, led by pitcher Paul Skenes, will take on the Mets in NBC's Opening Day game on March 26.

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What they’re saying

“Vasgersian will remain an MLB Network stalwart. He has been with the network for its full 17 years.”

— Andrew Marchand, Author (nytimes.com)

“Elle Duncan, the former ESPN host and current Netflix full-timer, will be the host on Opening Day.”

— Andrew Marchand, Author (nytimes.com)

What’s next

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The takeaway

Vasgersian's high-profile assignments across multiple platforms, including the debut of MLB on Netflix and NBC's Opening Day coverage, demonstrate the growing importance of streaming services in the sports media landscape and the continued appeal of baseball's opening day tradition.