A New Era for MLB Games: ESPN’s Expanded Coverage in 2024
Opening Day marks a significant shift in the longstanding relationship between Major League Baseball (MLB) and ESPN. While ESPN is no longer the exclusive home for “Sunday Night Baseball” (now on NBC) or the Home Run Derby (now on Netflix), the network is actually delivering more baseball to fans than ever before. This year promises a wealth of options for baseball enthusiasts, thanks to a revamped media rights agreement and the integration of MLB.TV.
More MLB Games Than Ever Before
“We have 30 exclusive [national] games that will air across ESPN and ABC, including Jackie Robinson Day, Memorial Day, the second-half opener and, everybody’s favorite, the Little League Classic,” explains Ashley O’Connor, ESPN’s vice president of programming and acquisitions. “And then, oh yeah, there’s over 2,000 games available on MLB.TV. So it’s wonderful. The company loves baseball, and I think this season will show that more than ever.”
ESPN Now the Home of MLB.TV
A key component of this new partnership is ESPN’s role as the home of the MLB.TV streaming service. This provides fans with unprecedented flexibility in how they consume baseball broadcasts – live or on demand, all in one convenient location. The MLB App will continue to be a streaming option for MLB.TV subscribers, and now, the MLB.TV service is also available within the ESPN App.
Importantly, accessing MLB.TV doesn’t require an ESPN+ subscription. This makes it easier than ever for fans to enjoy a comprehensive baseball experience.
A One-Stop Shop for Sports Fans
ESPN views MLB.TV as a valuable addition to its existing offerings. “The tagline in there is ‘All of ESPN, All in One Place,’” O’Connor states. “It is a one-stop shop for sports fans. So being able to include over 2,000 baseball games in there is really a match made in heaven.”
Expanded Streaming Options Coming Soon
Looking ahead, ESPN plans to offer local, in-market streaming subscriptions next season, further expanding the reach of the network. However, the national ESPN broadcasts will remain a cornerstone of this new deal.
Key Games to Watch on ESPN & ABC
The first game on ESPN’s schedule is on Jackie Robinson Day, April 15th, featuring a matchup between the Dodgers and Mets at 10:10 p.m. ET/7:10 p.m. local time. Other highlighted games include:
- Memorial Day (May 25): Yankees vs. Royals
- Second-Half Opener (July 16): Mets vs. Phillies
- Little League Classic (Aug. 23): Braves vs. Brewers
- June 14: Cubs vs. Giants (ABC)
- June 27: Yankees vs. Red Sox (ABC)
- Aug. 16: Cardinals vs. Cubs (ABC)
With 23 games scheduled across ABC and ESPN in June, July, and August, fans will have plenty of opportunities to catch exciting matchups during the peak baseball months.
How the New MLB.TV Arrangement Works
Existing MLB.TV Subscribers
Renewals will be processed automatically through your MLB.TV account. You can continue using the MLB App or access MLB.TV within the ESPN App.
Existing ESPN+ Subscribers
MLB.TV is available as an add-on for a discounted price of $134.99 per season (compared to $149.99). Stream through either the MLB or ESPN App.
New MLB.TV Customers
Subscribe directly through ESPN platforms. You don’t need an ESPN+ subscription, but you’ll receive a one-month free trial. Your MLB.TV subscription isn’t affected if you choose not to continue with ESPN+ after the trial. Stream through either the MLB or ESPN App.
MLB Extra Innings Viewers
No changes to the MLB Extra Innings package. Check with your provider for pricing.
International Viewers
MLB.TV continues to be available outside the United States, including access to MLB Network, pre- and postgame coverage, Minor League Baseball games, and MLB Big Inning.
Please note that select regular-season and postseason games exclusive to national MLB media partners will be available through those platforms, not MLB.TV.
