The sports broadcasting world never sits still, and MLB has just made another move. After just one season, Rob Manfred and the team have decided to make changes to the league’s current broadcasting deal, and according to sources, make a new deal with a billion-dollar media giant, one that highlights a vital shift in how fans will be watching games moving forward.

This decision matches with MLB’s bigger strategy of rearranging how MLB’s games are made available to the fans, connecting with long-period partnerships that will rule on television and online platforms. And as per sources, the partnership is going to happen between MLB and NBC. No financial terms about have been provided as of yet. NBC cut its ties from regular MLB coverage after the 2000 season, however, it has been circling back with serious interest. Online reports also say that, earlier this season, NBCUniversal executives engaged in multiple meetings with MLB related to getting game packages once tied to ESPN.

As per Sports Business Journal, Roku is cutting its ties with MLB earlier than expected, which is establishing the scope for NBC to get the rights to MLB’s “Sunday Leadoff” package. So why Sunday leadoff? Because these games basically begin at 11:30 a.m. ET, and it will provide NBC the advantage of getting a vital broadcast window with no competition for almost two hours. However, it brings Sunday morning baseball to Peacock as MLB’s streaming home.

Still, this move by Manfred raises concerns. Roku’s deal was officially worth $10 million per year and is thought to continue in 2026, as well. However, now this deal is being sidelined, and right now, there’s not much clarity available on the reasons behind it. And beyond the provided slot, what else could NBC have in the pipeline? Insiders think this could be tied to a much larger $600 million deal, one that could also contain Sunday night games and Wild Card round coverage, which will begin next season. If that is the situation, then this means NBC is getting ready to challenge ESPN’s long-standing position on national MLB coverage.

For MLB, the advantage is clear. Cooperating with the media giant provides visibility on broadcast TV and Peacock’s digital platform. Such a dual presence is vital in today’s landscape. While the new broadcasting deal takes shape, the MLB is also making moves internationally.

MLB drops London games as Rob Manfred is trying to get into new international markets

The MLB has officially dropped its London plan for 2026 after its conflicts with West Ham’s Olympic Stadium. Manfred was also facing some broadcast challenges tied to Fox’s World Cup coverage, and it destroyed the UK fans’ dream to watch the Yankees-Blue Jays showdown. The cancellation marks another setback for MLB’s European push.

However, Rob Manfred made it clear that the UK and Europe will not be ignored in the upcoming period. They will remain a vital part of MLB’s long-term extension approaches. For now, though, the focus has shifted elsewhere, specifically to markets like Mexico and Asia. MLB also had success in previous games in Mexico City, Monterrey, Tokyo, and Seoul. Those games have proven that MLB has a global appeal.

The management has also shown its interest in India and has clarified that they are aiming to tap into the cricket-loving culture that could effectively embrace baseball. At the same time, established places like Japan and Korea continue to generate intense interest from where global stars like Shohei Ohtani have come.

At first look, pulling back from London looked like a retreat. In reality, it is a pivot. MLB is choosing to plant deeper roots in places where it can get available momentum and where the scope for more business is available.