Mets' Opening Day broadcast sets viewership record

NBC and Peacock's coverage of the Mets' season opener drew 2.3 million viewers, the most ever for an afternoon Opening Day game.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 2:34am

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The Mets' Opening Day game against the Pittsburgh Pirates last Thursday drew a record 2.3 million viewers, making it the most-watched afternoon Opening Day broadcast ever, according to NBC. The game was aired on NBC and the network's streaming service Peacock, rather than the team's regular local TV channel SNY, which upset some Mets fans.

Why it matters

The strong viewership numbers demonstrate the continued popularity of the Mets franchise and the appeal of MLB's Opening Day, even with the game airing on a national broadcast network and streaming platform rather than the team's local channel.

The details

NBC said the 2.3 million viewers for the Mets-Pirates game on Opening Day was the highest viewership for an afternoon Opening Day broadcast. The game was not aired on the Mets' regular local TV home, SNY, which led to some fan frustration, but the national exposure on NBC and Peacock still drew a large audience.

  • The Mets' Opening Day game against the Pittsburgh Pirates was played on Thursday, March 27, 2026.

The players

NBC

The American broadcast television network that aired the Mets' Opening Day game nationally.

Peacock

NBC's streaming service that also carried the Mets' Opening Day broadcast.

SNY

The regional sports network that typically airs Mets games locally, but did not have the rights to the Opening Day broadcast.

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The takeaway

The strong viewership numbers for the Mets' nationally televised Opening Day game demonstrate the continued popularity of the team and the appeal of MLB's season-opening showcase, even when the broadcast is not on the team's regular local channel.