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MLB Ratings Surge: ESPN, Fox, Red Sox Shine

9/30/2025

44 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

ESPN's Sunday Night Baseball averaged 1.83 million viewers in its final season, up 21% from 2024.
MLB national TV ratings rose across partners, with Fox 2.04 million (up 9%), and Fox Sports 1 (FS1) 324,000 (up 10%).
Red Sox attendance, merchandise sales, and TV ratings improved, with household viewership up 49%.

History

Historical Context

Major League Baseball (MLB) faced a significant strike in 1994, resulting in the cancellation of the World Series and a sharp decline in viewership. However, by 2024, ESPN's Sunday Night Baseball averaged 1.83 million viewers, a 21% increase, signaling a resurgence in fan engagement and reflecting the importance of strategic broadcasting partnerships in revitalizing interest in the sport.

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Story summary

ESPN's Sunday Night Baseball averaged 1.83 million viewers in its final season, up 21% from 2024.
MLB national TV ratings rose across partners, with Fox 2.04 million (up 9%), and Fox Sports 1 (FS1) 324,000 (up 10%).
Red Sox attendance, merchandise sales, and TV ratings improved, with household viewership up 49%.

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