MLB’s New Television Deals Reshape Rockies Fans’ Experience in 2026
Major League Baseball has made waves with its recent announcement of new national television agreements, a move that carries significant implications for Colorado Rockies fans. As part of these sweeping changes, the Rockies find themselves at the center of a pivotal shift in how local games will be broadcast starting in 2026.
The Shift in Broadcasting Rights
The league’s new television rights deals, which span the 2026 to 2028 seasons, introduce a transformative landscape for how fans engage with their teams. ESPN remains a key player in this new arrangement, but with a notable twist: the network will no longer air Sunday Night Baseball. Instead, this popular package transitions to a different ESPN platform, altering how fans tune in for weekend matchups.
One of the most significant aspects of this new deal is ESPN’s acquisition of exclusive rights to MLB.tv, the online service that streams thousands of local games for out-of-market viewers each season. This development means that ESPN will hold exclusive local in-market rights to six MLB clubs, including the Rockies. The other teams affected by this change are the San Diego Padres, Cleveland Guardians, Seattle Mariners, Minnesota Twins, and Arizona Diamondbacks—all of whom have transitioned from regional sports networks to MLB.tv distribution following the dissolution of their previous broadcasting arrangements.
What This Means for Rockies Fans
For Rockies supporters, the implications of these new rights deals are profound. With ESPN now in control of local broadcasting rights, fans can expect a shift in how they access Rockies games. The transition could redefine viewing habits, as ESPN’s platform may not only provide broader access to games but also enhance the overall viewing experience with innovative features and comprehensive coverage.
This move also marks the return of NBC to regularly scheduled MLB broadcasts for the first time in 26 years, adding another layer of complexity to the landscape of baseball broadcasting. The partnership with Netflix and NBCUniversal signals a significant expansion of MLB’s reach, promising a fresh approach to how the league engages with its audience across various platforms.
Looking Ahead
As the Rockies prepare to navigate this new television landscape, fans will need to adjust to these changes in how they experience their team’s games. The exclusive rights held by ESPN may offer benefits in terms of accessibility and viewing options, but it also raises questions about how local broadcasts will evolve in response to these national agreements.
As the 2026 season approaches, Rockies fans can anticipate a season filled with new opportunities and challenges, all driven by the rapidly changing world of sports broadcasting. With the stage set, the excitement surrounding Rockies games is sure to continue, even as the methods of accessing those games transform.
