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NBC Returns to MLB in Landmark 2026 Media-Rights Deal

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Saturday, November 22nd 2025 at 16:05 GMT by NBC DFW

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NBC Returns to Major League Baseball in a Landmark 2026 Media‑Rights Deal

In a major shake‑up of the baseball broadcasting landscape, Major League Baseball (MLB) and a consortium of national networks have inked a new five‑year media‑rights agreement that will see NBC step back onto the diamond in 2026. The deal, announced by MLB in late March 2024, will not only bring NBC back to MLB coverage after a 25‑year absence but will also broaden the sport’s television reach through a hybrid of linear and streaming platforms. The announcement was followed up on NBC’s Dallas‑Fort Worth affiliate, NBCDFW, which provided a comprehensive breakdown of the contract’s key components, the strategic implications for the networks, and how fans can expect to see their favorite teams on screen in the coming seasons.

The Heart of the Agreement

The core of the new media‑rights deal, announced by MLB on its official website (link), is a partnership that includes ESPN/ABC, Fox/FS1, and NBC/Peacock. MLB confirmed that the contract will run through 2029 and is worth $5.2 billion per year – a figure that represents a significant jump over the previous $2.4 billion per year deal that expired at the end of the 2023 season. The $5.2 billion figure is split among the three broadcasters, with NBC receiving a sizable share that allows it to deliver national primetime and weekend coverage while also focusing on niche streams.

NBC’s portion of the package is especially noteworthy because it marks the network’s return to MLB after it last aired games in 1999. The agreement will grant NBC the rights to broadcast a mix of live games and exclusive primetime features through both its traditional broadcast stations and its Peacock streaming service. In addition to traditional Saturday afternoon and Wednesday night games, NBC will air Thursday Night Baseball – a series that historically has been a staple of MLB’s national programming and which will now return under the NBC banner.

Streaming: Peacock’s New Role

A central pillar of the contract is the integration of streaming content. According to a press release on NBCSports.com (link), Peacock will host “MLB on Peacock,” a package that includes 20–25 live games per season, as well as original digital series, highlight packages, and on‑demand content. The service will also provide exclusive access to certain playoff games and, ultimately, the World Series, which will be split between Peacock and NBC’s broadcast channel in a new, multi‑platform format. The partnership is intended to provide a seamless viewing experience for cord‑cutters and younger audiences who prefer streaming over traditional television.

NBC’s streaming strategy is further bolstered by the network’s new “in‑game” technology that incorporates real‑time stats, interactive graphics, and multiple camera angles – features that MLB has been pushing for years as part of its broader digital strategy. The Peacock platform will also carry a new “MLB Live” app that streams games live on mobile devices, offering fans a way to stay connected no matter where they are.

Broadcast Schedule and Coverage Highlights

The NBCDFW article outlined NBC’s schedule, which will be similar to its previous MLB broadcasts in 1999 but adapted to modern viewing habits:

• Thursday Night Baseball – live broadcasts on NBC’s broadcast network, with a preview feature on Peacock for those who want a deeper dive into the matchup.
• Saturday Afternoon Games – a rotating lineup featuring teams from the American and National Leagues, with the option for premium “regional” broadcasts on NBC’s affiliates in key markets.
• Wednesday Night Games – primetime coverage on NBC’s broadcast channel, with a special “Midweek Showdown” segment that highlights the league’s top performers.
• Playoff Coverage – a split model where early rounds air on broadcast affiliates and later rounds, including the World Series, appear on Peacock and NBC’s broadcast network, depending on the matchup and market.
• All‑Star Game – NBC will produce a standalone “All‑Star Weekend” special that features a mix of live games, behind‑the‑scenes segments, and fan‑interactive content.

NBC’s coverage will also feature the network’s long‑running “The World Series” brand, and a dedicated “MLB in the Spotlight” series that profiles local teams and regional baseball culture.

Implications for Fans and the Broadcast Industry

One of the most significant outcomes of the 2026 deal is the rebalancing of MLB’s broadcast presence. While ESPN and Fox have long dominated the MLB conversation, NBC’s return provides a new narrative voice that has deep roots in American sports history. The contract’s heavy emphasis on streaming reflects a broader shift toward digital consumption – a trend that was accelerated by the COVID‑19 pandemic and has only continued to grow. For the average MLB fan, the deal promises:

• Greater flexibility: Fans can choose between traditional broadcast and streaming, depending on their viewing preferences.
• More comprehensive coverage: With NBC and the other networks collectively airing a larger slate of games, fans have more chances to watch their teams on national TV.
• Innovative presentation: NBC’s focus on in‑game analytics and interactivity could set a new standard for baseball broadcasts.

From an industry standpoint, the deal highlights the increasingly competitive nature of sports rights. The fact that MLB could command a $5.2 billion per year deal demonstrates the sport’s continued relevance in the U.S. market and the willingness of major networks to invest heavily in premium content. It also illustrates how broadcast and streaming platforms are now negotiating jointly to secure sports content, a model that could be replicated in other sports leagues.

Looking Ahead: What 2026 Will Hold

As NBC prepares to re‑launch its MLB programming, the network is actively building out its production team and recruiting former players to serve as analysts. NBC’s marketing strategy will leverage nostalgia (remembering the “Sunday Night Baseball” era of the 1990s) while also promoting the network’s new digital features.

The deal’s rollout will start with a teaser episode in late 2025 that previews the upcoming schedule and showcases the new “Peacock MLB” platform. The first official broadcast under the new contract is slated for the opening day of the 2026 MLB season, and fans will be able to tune in via traditional broadcast affiliates or directly through Peacock’s app.

Bottom Line

NBC’s return to MLB in 2026 marks a historic moment in the sport’s broadcast history, bringing together traditional television, cutting‑edge streaming, and a new generation of fans. The five‑year media‑rights deal, valued at $5.2 billion per year, is a testament to MLB’s enduring popularity and to the evolving landscape of sports media. Whether you’re a die‑hard baseball fan or a casual viewer, the coming seasons promise a richer, more accessible viewing experience that blends the best of the past with the innovations of the future.