Big changes are coming for Major League Baseball fans, and it’s all about how you’ll watch your favorite out-of-market games. ESPN’s new deal with MLB.TV has everyone talking, but what does it really mean for you? Let’s break it down in a way that’s easy to understand, even if you’re not a streaming expert.
Here’s the deal: ESPN is now the home of MLB.TV, and they’ve rolled out some pricing options that might just save you a few bucks—or not. If you’re already an ESPN Unlimited subscriber, you’re in luck. MLB.TV will cost you $134.99 for the season, a slight discount from the usual price. But here’s where it gets interesting: if you’re not an ESPN Unlimited member, you’ll pay $149.99, the same as last season. And this is the part most people miss—that price includes a free month of ESPN Unlimited, which could be a sneaky way to get you hooked on their service.
For those who prefer a monthly plan, MLB.TV is available for $29.99 per month, and new subscribers also get that free month of ESPN Unlimited. But here’s where it gets controversial: is this a fair deal, or is ESPN just trying to lock in more subscribers? Let us know what you think in the comments.
At the start of the season, U.S. subscribers can still enjoy out-of-market games, MLB Big Inning, and MLB Network on both ESPN and MLB platforms. If you’re a Spectrum, DirecTV, Fubo TV, Hulu Live TV, or Verizon Fios subscriber, you already have access to ESPN Unlimited as part of your TV plan. Cord-cutters, however, will pay $29.25 per month for all ESPN networks—a price that might make some fans think twice.
Now, let’s talk local games. For 14 teams—including the Arizona Diamondbacks, Cincinnati Reds, and Tampa Bay Rays—local in-market streaming is available on the MLB site and through the teams themselves. The price? $99.99 per season or $19.99 per month. Fans can bundle their local package with the out-of-market package for $199.99 per season. But here’s a curveball: the Detroit Tigers, also produced by MLB, haven’t announced their in-market subscription details yet. What’s taking them so long? We’re all ears.
Teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets offer in-market streaming through MLB, even though their games are on regional sports networks. Prices for these teams vary by market, so check your local listings. And this is the part most people miss: while multiview, integrated stats, and key plays are still available, the home and away radio feeds won’t be on ESPN this season. Why the change? It’s a question worth asking.
ESPN’s three-year deal with MLB includes 30 exclusive games, mostly on weeknights and during the summer. Baseball joins the NHL as the second league to offer its out-of-market package on ESPN’s platform. But here’s the bigger question: is this the future of sports streaming, or just another way to complicate how we watch the games we love? Share your thoughts below—we’d love to hear your take on this game-changing deal.
