The answer is yes, but with important nuances. In the United States, MLB games will continue to be based on its traditional television partners, such as ESPN, FOX, and TBS, which maintain the majority of broadcasting rights. The 2026 Major League Baseball season will not only mark the start of a new sports calendar but also a significant change in how fans consume baseball. For the first time, the league has reached an agreement with Netflix to broadcast live games, representing a historic step towards global streaming. In fact, the vast majority of games will continue to be broadcast on the usual channels and services like MLB.TV. The MLB opening game between the Yankees and the Giants is scheduled for the afternoon at 5:00 PM (Central Mexico Time), which corresponds to 6:00 PM ET, 5:00 PM CT, and 3:00 PM PT in the United States. However, the announcement has caused some confusion among fans, many of whom believe they will be able to follow the entire season on the platform. The agreement between MLB and Netflix provides for only three exclusive games during the 2026 season, including Opening Day, making it more of a strategic test than a complete overhaul of the broadcasting model. This decision is part of a growing trend in professional sports, where leagues are seeking to diversify their audiences and explore new distribution windows beyond traditional television. The main attraction of the agreement is that one of the games included will be the season opener, featuring the clash between the New York Yankees and the San Francisco Giants, a matchup with significant media weight both in the United States and internationally. The agreement with Netflix does not replace these contracts but adds an additional window for specific games. That is, users in the United States will also be able to watch these games through Netflix, provided they have an active subscription, but this does not mean the rest of the season will be available on the platform. LIVE on Netflix — March 25 at 8PM ET | 5PM PT. Will it be available in the United States? One of the main doubts among fans is whether this agreement applies in the same way in the United States. The other two games will be the Home Run Derby from Philadelphia on July 13 and the MLB Field of Dreams Game: Phillies vs. Twins on August 13. It all starts with the first pitch of the season. Watch New York Yankees vs. San Francisco Giants on MLB#OpeningNight.
MLB and Netflix Make Historic Streaming Deal
The 2026 MLB season marks a significant change with the first-ever streaming deal with Netflix. However, it's not a complete overhaul but a strategic partnership for three exclusive games, including the season opener.