Netflix’s foray into Major League Baseball began with a broadcast of the Yankees versus the Giants.
The game marked the start of the 2026 season and Netflix’s exclusive MLB coverage. While MLB and Netflix celebrated their partnership, the broadcast itself missed the mark with some fans.
Netflix’s Presentation Misses the Mark
Netflix seemingly wanted viewers to focus on the platform rather than the baseball itself. According to one report, fans simply wanted to watch baseball. The sentiment was that Netflix was just picking up the story of MLB.
Executives often suggest these ventures attract new audiences. For MLB, being on Netflix offers access to a subscription base of over 300 million globally.
Commentary and On-Air Lineup
Matt Vasgersian’s play-by-play commentary was a highlight of the Netflix presentation. He was joined by CC Sabathia and Hunter Pence. The game, a 7-0 Yankees victory, did not provide much strategic material for the commentators.
Interview with the Commissioner
An interview with MLB commissioner Rob Manfred in the fifth inning was uneventful. The discussion included Manfred’s first Opening Day experience at Shea Stadium in the late 1980s. The interview did not generate any news.
Bonds’ Anecdote About Steinbrenner
Barry Bonds appeared on the pregame show along with Albert Pujols and Anthony Rizzo, joining Elle Duncan. Bonds told a story about hanging up on George Steinbrenner, which influenced his decision to join the Giants instead of the Yankees in 1993.
Netflix’s $50 Million Bet on Baseball
Netflix’s acquisition of rights to Opening Day, the Home Run Derby, and the “Field of Dreams” game is part of a disruption to traditional sports broadcasting. The streaming service is paying $50 million per season for three years.
Despite some highlights, Netflix’s initial MLB broadcast struggled to keep the focus on the game itself. The game should have been the centre of everything.