ESPN and MLB mutually decided to part ways at the conclusion of the 2025 season, which will conclude the latest media right contract between the two sides. In a letter to the league's owners obtained by , MLB commissioner Rob Manfred laid out the league's reasons to end the partnership.

According to Manfred, ESPN had approached the MLB to reduce the $550 million it spends annually on the deal, citing the $85 million that Apple and $10 million that Roku pay for their packages. ESPN's family of networks has broadcast the primetime since 1990. Manfred cited 2024's improved ratings, up 6% from the prior year he said, as reason against reducing the fee.

Manfred also cited ESPN's dwindling number of subscribers, and a lack of baseball coverage on the network's shows outside of games.

"Furthermore, we have not been pleased with the minimal coverage that MLB has received on ESPN’s platforms over the past several years outside of the actual live game coverage," Manfred wrote.

The commissioner says that ESPN is still interested in striking a new MLB deal, especially as it prepares to launch its own direct-to-consumer platform.

While the situation continues to evolve, as of now ESPN's 35-year partnership with MLB is set to come to a close at the end of the coming season.