As Major League Baseball opens its 2026 season, fans face a fragmented media landscape with up to five subscriptions and 10 networks to follow their teams. The bankruptcy of FanDuel-branded networks has added uncertainty, leaving several clubs under MLB’s direct control while some, like the Braves, launched their own RSNs.
Despite these disruptions, advertiser interest remains strong. Playfly Sports, which handles MLB RSN advertising, reports continued robust revenue, especially in auto, finance, and retail categories. Streaming growth has been historic, with unique streamers up 50% in 2025 and viewers spending an average of 90 minutes per game—double that of national networks.
“The majority of audience engagement happens around pre- and post-game shows, which fans will continue to receive,†said Craig Sloan, CEO of Playfly Sports. MLB’s combination of extensive game inventory and engaged local viewership makes it highly attractive for advertisers. With media growth, audience gains, and events like the World Baseball Classic, MLB is poised for another strong season.