The MLB season starts tonight, but not on a channel you’re used to
The MLB season starts tonight, but not on a channel you’re used to
The streamer is gearing up to host its first MLB game ever! Find out all the details you need about the game here.
Spring has officially sprung in the United States, and that means it’s baseball season. The 2026 MLB Opening Night festivities will look a little different from those in years past. Last fall, MLB announced a deal to split up the rights package formerly held by ESPN among several platforms. Netflix won the rights to stream the first MLB game of the 2026 season, and we’ll fill you in on everything you need to know below!
What you need to know about MLB Opening Night on Netflix
Who is playing in Netflix’s MLB Opening Night game?
MLB Opening Night on Netflix will feature a game between the New York Yankees and the host San Francisco Giants. It will be played in San Francisco, and while it isn’t a matchup of two playoff teams in 2025, it is nevertheless a meeting of two storied franchises. The Yankees are looking to outperform a 94-win season last year, while the Giants are hoping to take another step toward playoff contention after missing the postseason since 2021.
What time does Netflix’s MLB Opening Night game start?
Netflix’s coverage of MLB Opening Night festivities will start at 7 p.m. ET, with the game itself due to begin at 8:05 p.m.
Who is on the broadcast team for Netflix’s Opening Night game?
Netflix has assembled a lineup of skilled, knowledgeable analysts to call the Yankees vs. Giants game. Elle Duncan will lead a team of analysts consisting of former Giants superstar Barry Bonds, two-time World Series champion Albert Pujols and World Series champion Anthony Rizzo to break down the matchup. MLB Network’s Matt Vasgersian will take on play-by-play duties, with former Yankee C.C. Sabathia and former Giant Hunter Pence climbing into the booth as analysts. B
Lauren Shehadi will serve as on-field reporter, and special guest Bert Kreischer is expected to stop by, as well.
Will MLB’s Opening Night game also be on traditional TV?
MLB is handling distribution duties for the Giants this year, while the Yankees continue to play on YES Network. Neither outlet will show this game between the Yankees and Giants, which will be a Netflix exclusive.
Watch a promo for MLB Opening Night on Netflix
Can you watch the MLB Opening Night game for free?
No, Netflix does not offer a free trial of any kind to new subscribers.
Can you watch the MLB Opening Night game on all Netflix plans?
Yes, all Netflix plans will carry the game, starting with the streamer’s Standard with Ads plan at $8 per month.
Is Netflix hosting any other MLB games this year?
Yes. Netflix is hosting the 2026 Home Run Derby on July 13, ahead of the MLB All-Star game. The streamer will also host the MLB Field of Dreams game between the Philadelphia Phillies and Minnesota Twins on Aug. 13.
Netflix
Netflix is a leading subscription-based video streaming service that offers on-demand access to an extensive library of over 3,000 movies, 2,000+ TV shows, and a growing collection of acclaimed Netflix originals. Renowned for producing groundbreaking content, Netflix has become a cultural powerhouse with hit originals like “Stranger Things,” “Wednesday,” “Squid Game,” “The Crown,” “Tiger King,” “Bridgerton,” “The Witcher,” and “Black Mirror.”