Full Breakdown
Michael Kay Voices Frustration Over Yankees Opening Day Broadcast on Netflix
3/13/2026, 12:21:49 AM
Yankees Opening Day Shift to Netflix
The New York Yankees' Opening Day game against the San Francisco Giants on March 25, 2026, will not be broadcast on the YES Network, a situation that has drawn significant criticism from longtime Yankees play-by-play announcer Michael Kay. Instead, the game will be streamed exclusively on Netflix, marking the streaming service's debut in Major League Baseball (MLB) broadcasting as part of a three-year, $50 million deal with MLB.
Kay expressed his discontent during an interview with Newsday, stating, “To be blunt, it sucks. It really does.” He highlighted that the YES Network will only cover the middle game of the three-game series, with the finale airing on Fox. This arrangement means Kay will travel to San Francisco primarily for a single game, which he finds unsatisfactory. “It’s not ideal because Opening Day, there’s a special pageantry to it, pomp and circumstance,” he added, emphasizing the significance of the day for fans and broadcasters alike.
Netflix's Strategic Move
Netflix's acquisition of the Yankees-Giants game is part of a broader trend where live sports are increasingly moving to national networks and streaming platforms. The game will feature a primetime broadcast at 8:05 PM ET, making it the only MLB game on that day. The broadcast team will include Matt Vasgersian as the play-by-play announcer, former Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia as an analyst, and Lauren Shehadi as a sideline reporter. The pregame show will feature former Yankees player Anthony Rizzo and comedian Bert Kreischer, with the potential for a surprise guest, possibly Barry Bonds.
Criticism from Local Broadcasters
Kay's frustration reflects a larger concern among local broadcasters as more marquee games are assigned to national platforms. He noted that the Yankees are a significant draw for national partners, which complicates the scheduling for local networks like YES. This shift has left local fans feeling underserved, as they miss out on the traditional Opening Day experience that Kay believes is integral to the baseball season.
Official Statements & Responses
In his remarks, Kay acknowledged the appeal of the Yankees-Giants matchup for Netflix, stating, “I guess if I’m Netflix, I’d want the Yankees and the Giants, too, but I know that all of us at YES would rather have it.” He also mentioned the positive experience he had last year when the Yankees' opener aired on ESPN, where he was honored during the broadcast.
What's Next for the Yankees
As the Yankees prepare for the 2026 season, they will play their opener in San Francisco, followed by an off day before continuing the series. The team is expected to maintain a strong presence on YES Network for the majority of their games, with over 120 games typically broadcast locally. However, the loss of Opening Day to Netflix marks a significant change in how fans will experience the start of the baseball season.
Verbatim Quotes
- “To be blunt, it sucks,” — Michael Kay, Yankees Play-by-Play Announcer
- “It's not ideal because Opening Day, there's a special pageantry to it, pomp and circumstance.” — Michael Kay, Yankees Play-by-Play Announcer
- “People look forward to pitchers and catchers, that’s number one, and then number two is Opening Day. I guess if I’m Netflix, I’d want the Yankees and the Giants, too, but I know that all of us at YES would rather have it.” — Michael Kay, Yankees Play-by-Play Announcer
