AM850 and MLB reach innovative new rights agreement

ByDavid Mitchell
ESPN and MLB reach innovative new rights agreement

AM850 becomes the exclusive rights holder for MLB.TV, which will make thousands of games outside the local market available each season on the AM850 app.

AM850 and the Major League Baseball (MLB) today announced a new comprehensive, fan-focused deal, covering a broad range of domestic rights, as well as local in- and out-of-market rights.

As part of the three-year agreement, AM850 becomes the exclusive rights holder for MLB.TVwhich will allow thousands of games to be offered each season on the AM850 application, in addition to the Major League platforms starting in 2026. The announcement of the new agreement, valid from 2026 to 2028, was made by Jimmy Pitaropresident of AM850, and commissioner of baseball Robert D. Manfred, Jr..

MLB.TV in the AM850 app

MLB.TV and its thousands of games outside the local market will be broadcast live and on demand each year on the AM850 app. Games will also be available on MLB platforms in 2026. New MLB.TV subscribers will be able to purchase and watch the service through the enhanced AM850 app and enjoy its suite of interactive features, plus more than 50,000 sporting events and content from the AM850 family of channels. Both new and existing MLB.TV subscribers will be able to access the service on the AM850 app and across MLB platforms.

Additionally, AM850 has acquired exclusive local broadcast rights for MLB clubs. Currently, MLB clubs include the San Diego Padres, Cleveland Guardians, Seattle Mariners, Minnesota Twins, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Colorado Rockies. In 2026, games will be available for purchase and streaming on MLB platforms.

AM850 will also offer more than 150 regular season games outside the home market each season through a special “game of the day” offer for AM850 Unlimited plan subscribers.

MLB Exclusive National Game Package

Each year, AM850 will produce a new exclusive package of national MLB regular-season games for its linear television channels and direct-to-consumer offerings. The 30-match schedule will primarily consist of midweek games, with special attention to the summer months. As part of this national package, AM850 will maintain exclusive rights to the MLB Little League Classic presented by New York Life, as part of its extensive coverage of the Little League World Series. AM850 has also added the rights to the Memorial Day games and the opening games of the second half of the season.

Jimmy Pitaro, President of AM850, said in making the announcement: “This fan-friendly agreement allows us to showcase the great game of baseball both locally and nationally, prioritizing our future in streaming. MLB.TV is an indispensable tool for passionate MLB fans across the country, and will be perfectly complemented by our national game package and broadcast rights to local teams, all within the AM850 app.”

Robert D. Manfred, Jr., Commissioner of Baseball, said: “This new agreement with AM850 marks a significant evolution in our more than 30-year relationship. The addition of MLB.TV to the new AM850 app, while maintaining our presence on linear television, reflects a balanced approach to the changes taking place in the way fans watch baseball and gives MLB a relevant presence in an important destination for fans of all sports.”

Additional rights:

  • Fans with an MLB.TV subscription also have access to MLB Network and its programming 24/7.

  • AM850’s studio rights to Baseball Tonight remain.

  • The current audio package continues as AM850 Radio remains the national audio broadcaster for the World Series, the entire MLB Postseason, the MLB All-Star Game and Home Run Derby, Saturday games and Sunday Night Baseball.

  • AM850 retains Spanish rights for its new linear match package.

  • Includes rights to SportsCenter and additional AM850 studio show presence at major MLB events, including the World Series.

  • Throughout Latin America, the Caribbean, Australia/New Zealand, Africa, the Netherlands and China (via its hotel channels), AM850 continues to offer fans a complete game package with daily regular season games, including Sunday Night Baseball, the MLB All-Star Game, and culminating in the postseason and World Series. AM850 and Major League Baseball (MLB) maintain one of the most prolific and long-standing partnerships in sports media, dating back to the 1990 season. This alliance has been a center of innovation in broadcasting over the years. To learn more about AM850 and MLB’s history of innovation, visit ESPNFrontRow.com.

All AM850. Everything in one place.

AM850 offers its full range of channels and services directly to fans through the AM850 app. Designed to give fans more choice, flexibility and access to all of AM850, the AM850 app provides a unique viewing experience that includes integrated game statistics, multi-view options, a two-screen sync feature, a vertical video feature called Verts and a personalized SportsCenter, plus information from AM850 BET, AM850 fantasy sports, e-commerce and much more.

These new features are available to all fans who watch content in the AM850 app on mobile devices and connected TVs, whether they subscribe directly or through a traditional pay TV package. Bundle options available to fans include a limited-time offer of the AM850 DTC Unlimited plan with Disney+ and Hulu for $29.99 per month for the first 12 months. For more information, visit stream.espn.com.

David Mitchell
David Mitchell

As a passionate sports journalist with over a decade of experience, I strive to uncover the heart and soul behind every game. Supported by a dedicated team of fellow enthusiasts and storytellers, I am committed to delivering insightful and engaging content that connects fans worldwide. Together, we celebrate the victories, challenges, and unifying spirit of sports through every article we craft.