ESPN and MLB End Partnership

 

ESPN and Major League Baseball have mutually agreed to end their national television contract after the 2025 season. 

The original contract was a 7-year deal for $550 million through the 2028 season. Both parties had an opt-out clause, exercisable before March 1, 2025. ESPN wanted to reduce the right fee from $550 million per season. The World Wide Leader cited Apple's deal which is $85 million per year and Roku's deal which is $10 million per year. 

This opens the door for other media companies to get in bed with the MLB. There are rumors that NBC, Netflix, and Amazon are interested in doing business with the league.