Apple TV+ Reportedly Outbidding NBC for More MLB Games

[MacRumors]

Apple TV+ is emerging as the frontrunner to acquire additional MLB media rights currently held by ESPN, according to a Sports Business Journal report.

Sources tell the publication that Apple's offer would likely exceed what NBC has proposed for the same package, particularly if focused on Sunday night games. NBC reportedly bid for all of ESPN's current MLB rights, but the league faces a familiar streaming dilemma: fewer dollars from traditional broadcasters with broader reach versus higher payments from digital platforms with smaller audiences.

Apple already pays MLB a reported $85 million annually for "Friday Night Baseball" through to 2028. The potential deal would be structured as a three-year agreement, positioning MLB to bundle all national rights when current contracts with Fox Sports and TNT Sports expire in 2028.

The streaming service currently includes Friday night games at no additional cost with Apple TV+ subscriptions, which cost $9.99 monthly or $99 yearly in the U.S. It's also included in all Apple One subscription bundles with other Apple services.

MLB has yet to finalize the structure of post-ESPN packages, leaving multiple scenarios on the table for Sunday night games, Wild Card coverage, and the Home Run Derby. The talks sound like they remain fluid, with various moving parts still under consideration.

Article Link: Apple TV+ Reportedly Outbidding NBC for More MLB Games

 

[slkjflla]

I have this annoying situation in France. Before AppleTV had the rights to MLB games I could watch all games via MLB.tv. But Apple wouldn't allow their games to also be shown on MLB.tv. You need an Apple sub to watch. Only thing is, Apple don't broadcast the games in France. Most other European countries sure, France... no.

 

[AgeOfSpiracles]

I'm here for it. The Friday night games are wonderful compared to dealing with whatever random streaming app you have to use for this or that game. But that could just be because I'm an O's fan, and the MASN app is the 12th circle of hell. (although I will concede that it has been fine in 2025. Still sucks but at least reliably displays baseball games now)

 

[Simmias]

Awesome! Between this, MLS, and Ted Lasso, Apple TV+ is the leader in content that I couldn’t care less about.

Look forward to this getting its own hardcoded tab in the TV app.

 

[besler3035]

Awesome! Between this, MLS, and shows like The Studio, Apple TV+ is the leader in dull content that I couldn’t care less about.

Consider yourself in the minority. The Studio is great. And to add to that, shows like Your Friends & Neighbors, Ted Lasso, Severance, and Shrinking show why Apple TV+ is a great place for quality, high production shows. They've been compared to the HBO of old. And for good reason.

Now am I a baseball fan? Not really. But every streamer is looking to get more into sports these days, so this makes sense. And it brings in advertising dollars.

 

[BuddyRich]

I'm here for it. The Friday night games are wonderful compared to dealing with whatever random streaming app you have to use for this or that game. But that could just be because I'm an O's fan, and the MASN app is the 12th circle of hell. (although I will concede that it has been fine in 2025. Still sucks but at least reliably displays baseball games now)

Same. Though they need to get better announcers. They are much better than the first season, but their broadcast/stream quality and presentation is top notch... Also like that unlike most other sports broadcasters they aren't infested with ads (particularly online gambling ones) and just show inbetween innings with ballpark sounds and do a half-inning of in play just ballpark sounds... though Apple is a money making enterprise I don't expect that to last as they'll want to monetize their rights...

 

[tyrnnsrs]

The MLB clearly only cares about money, not the experience for their fans. Why should fans have to juggle between multiple streaming services and traditional TV just to watch games? You have to switch apps depending on the day of the week. Just give all rights to one provider.

 

[Plutonius]

TV is so fragmented these days that I stopped watching many things that I enjoyed in the past.

 

[Green Valkyrie]

Well each to their own. For this European, baseball is the one US sport I actually like. And I like it a lot - it's what short form cricket has tried (and failed) multiple times to be.

Oh and the Mets rule

 

[AgeOfSpiracles]

Same. Though they need to get better announcers. They are much better than the first season, but their broadcast/stream quality and presentation is top notch... Also like that unlike most other sports broadcasters they aren't infested with ads (particularly online gambling ones) and just show inbetween innings with ballpark sounds and do a half-inning of in play just ballpark sounds... though Apple is a money making enterprise I don't expect that to last as they'll want to monetize their rights...

omg, don't get me started on the gambling ads. Doesn't Kevin Hart have enough money yet? And if not, is it too much to expect him to make a moderate effort in those ads?

 

[Sippincider]

I'm not paying to view or listen to sports from anyone. Their ads and tracking can cover that.

 

[DEMinSoCAL]

Having sports games peppered through various subscription streaming services is beyond frustrating. I already paid ESPN+ for 7 months to watch NHL (and their app sucks big time as I have to wade through every sport I could care less about to get to NHL games) and then cancelled when the normal season was over, thinking the playoffs would be on cable channels like normal, but instead they're on MAX (which I do already subscribe to) and regular ESPN -- except for a couple games that for no rhyme or reason were only on ESPN+ ($12/mo). It seems sometimes these leagues are TRYING to reduce their viewership.

 

[spaxxedout]

Just make sure they keep Bob Costas.

 

[bpa1093]

The Apple TV broadcasts are decent. Only thing that bugs me is them not showing the batting order number.

Is Ohtani batting 1st or 9th? Who knows 🤷‍♂️

 

[syklee26]

If Apple implements vision pro friendly broadcasting, it will open a huge door.

 

[AgeOfSpiracles]

If Apple implements vision pro friendly broadcasting, it will open a huge door.

If they don't announce it soon, I'd be shocked. What is the point of any of this (both the AVP and the MLB/MLS deals), if they don't connect the dots.

 

[KPOM]

Same. Though they need to get better announcers. They are much better than the first season, but their broadcast/stream quality and presentation is top notch... Also like that unlike most other sports broadcasters they aren't infested with ads (particularly online gambling ones) and just show inbetween innings with ballpark sounds and do a half-inning of in play just ballpark sounds... though Apple is a money making enterprise I don't expect that to last as they'll want to monetize their rights...

Usually you can select a local radio broadcast that is in sync with the video.

 

[dannyyankou]

Well each to their own. For this European, baseball is the one US sport I actually like. And I like it a lot - it's what short form cricket has tried (and failed) multiple times to be.

Oh and the Mets rule

I’m thumbsupping to everything except Mets rule haha. Good luck with Soto.

Seriously though, I love that baseball is the only major sport without a clock (not counting the pitch clock). Some people may find that to be a boring aspect of baseball, but I like that there’s no arbitrary time limit on how quickly the game has to be played.

 

[npmacuser5]

Sports a contributing factor in the rising streaming costs. When they say sports is included free, its not. Want sports, make the feature a separate financial cost to the Sports fans.

 

[machpost]

The MLB clearly only cares about money, not the experience for their fans. Why should fans have to juggle between multiple streaming services and traditional TV just to watch games? You have to switch apps depending on the day of the week. Just give all rights to one provider.

I think this is MLB's ultimate goal, but it's a few years away.

 

[Biro]

I have this annoying situation in France. Before AppleTV had the rights to MLB games I could watch all games via MLB.tv. But Apple wouldn't allow their games to also be shown on MLB.tv. You need an Apple sub to watch. Only thing is, Apple don't broadcast the games in France. Most other European countries sure, France... no.

Always a bunch of lawyers and MBAs in a room creating friction where none is necessary. Meanwhile, I want MLB to end its blackout rules.

 

[Princejb134]

Baseball stadiums to me is not about the game but more of the experience of the stadium. They have so many things to do and places to hang out there.

 

[WarmWinterHat]

Baseball stadiums to me is not about the game but more of the experience of the stadium. They have so many things to do and places to hang out there.

It's both for me. I had season tickets to the Nationals when I lived in Virginia, and loved going. Watch them via MLB.tv now, or in person when I go back to visit. I don't really care for Apple's take on MLB.

...now I live two hours from any Pro team, of any sport, so...bummer.

...

I spend about 4/5 of my not-at-work time outside anyway, so being in the sun during a game doesn't bother me.

 

[turbineseaplane]

Consider yourself in the minority.

Maybe on this website, but not overall.

I share that posters feelings

 

[IceCool]

Hopefully means more Tigers games on Apple TV+… #RepDetroit🐯