Full Breakdown
NBC Revamps Sunday Night Baseball Coverage with Local Analysts
2/20/2026, 11:20:41 PM
Transition of Rights from ESPN to NBC
For the first time in three decades, ESPN will not broadcast Sunday Night Baseball, a staple in American households for years. NBC has acquired the rights to the program, marking a significant shift in Major League Baseball (MLB) broadcasting. This transition follows NBC's previous ownership of the Sunday morning package, which it lost to Roku in 2024 but regained as part of its new deal with MLB. The network's three-year agreement, starting March 26, includes 25 Sunday Night Baseball games, the entire Wild Card round, and exclusive primetime slots on Opening Day and Labor Day.
NBC's New Broadcast Format
NBC plans to introduce a fresh format for its Sunday Night Baseball coverage by hiring Jason Benetti as the lead play-by-play announcer. The network will utilize a rotating group of local analysts associated with the teams playing each week, similar to its MLB Sunday Leadoff broadcasts on Peacock from 2022 to 2023. This approach aims to provide team-specific insights that national analysts may lack. Benetti, who has experience calling MLB games and other sports for Fox Sports, is expected to anchor the broadcasts, although NBC has yet to formally announce its complete broadcast team.
Official Statements & Responses
NBC Sports executive producer Sam Flood emphasized the network's confidence in Benetti, stating, “There’s a reason we picked Jason. We did our homework. We know him. We love what he does, and we think he’s the perfect person to be in that middle seat at the dinner party.” The network's first broadcast is set for March 26, with Ahmed Fareed hosting the pregame show and Bob Costas taking on an emeritus role.
Criticism & Opposition
The transition from ESPN to NBC has sparked discussions about the future of baseball broadcasting. Critics have expressed skepticism regarding ESPN's decision to replace Sunday Night Baseball with "Women's Sports Sundays," questioning the network's commitment to MLB. Some commentators argue that ESPN's focus on women's sports, while commendable, may not yield the same viewer engagement as baseball. Additionally, there are concerns about how ESPN will fill the void left by Sunday Night Baseball, with suggestions that the network should consider showcasing college baseball during the spring months.
What's Next
As the MLB season approaches, NBC's revamped Sunday Night Baseball format will be closely monitored by fans and industry analysts alike. The success of this new approach, particularly the integration of local analysts, will be evaluated as the season progresses. Meanwhile, ESPN's strategy for replacing Sunday Night Baseball remains uncertain, with potential shifts in focus to other sports or formats.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We did our homework. We know him. We love what he does, and we think he’s the perfect person to be in that middle seat at the dinner party.” — Sam Flood, NBC Sports Executive Producer
- “Replacing Sunday Night Baseball was never going to be easy.” — Anonymous Commentator
This new chapter in MLB broadcasting reflects evolving viewer preferences and the competitive landscape of sports media, as networks adapt to changing audience dynamics.
