The current logo used for ESPN and ABC's MLB broadcasts (2018-present). (Sports Video Group)
| ● Thursday, January 23, 2026
Highlights:
- ESPN returns for its 37th MLB season of coverage with a 30-game national package, consisting of weeknight games (mostly).
- ABC to broadcast three games on linear television this summer, including two Cubs matchups.
- For the first time since 1989, ESPN will not have "Sunday Night Baseball" as part of its MLB coverage.
- ESPN will exclusively broadcast the Yankees vs. Royals game on Memorial Day -- Monday, May 25, at 3:30 PM ET.
- ESPN has exclusive rights for the second-half opener and the MLB Little League Classic.
ESPN will resume covering MLB games on a national level during the 2026 season. Obviously, there are major changes to ESPN's MLB presentation. To start, ESPN lost its "Sunday Night Baseball" package to NBC Sports after a 36-year run, meaning that ESPN will have baseball coverage without its Sunday night game slate for the first time. ESPN celebrates its 37th season of MLB coverage in 2026.
This year, ESPN will produce and distribute 30 MLB regular-season games to air on either ESPN or ABC. ESPN maintains its exclusive rights to the MLB Little League Classic. Furthermore, ESPN has acquired the right to broadcast Memorial Day games and second-half opener games. Moreover, ESPN revealed the three MLB regular season games that will be airing on ABC during the 2026 season. These games will feature divisional clashes and star-studded affairs. This year's lineup of ABC games are part of ESPN's new rights agreement with Major League Baseball.
The weekend schedule of ABC telecasts is spotlighted by the Saturday matinee presentation of Yankees vs. Red Sox on Saturday, June 27 at 1:00 PM ET. Plus, Nico Hoerner and the Chicago Cubs will receive two games on ABC, including a June 14 road game at San Francisco and an August 16 home game vs. St. Louis.
ESPN opens up their new 30-game regular season slate on Wednesday, April 15 — MLB's Jackie Robinson Day — as Marcus Semien and the New York Mets face Teoscar Hernandez and the two-time defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers at 10:00 PM ET.
ESPN will exclusively televise a Memorial Day tilt on Monday, May 25 at 3:30 PM ET as Giancarlo Stanton and the New York Yankees play Maikel Garcia and the Kansas City Royals.
On Thursday, July 16 at 7:00 PM ET, the New York Mets go up against the Philadelphia Phillies to begin the second half of the regular season.
Additionally, ESPN will proceed with their exclusive annual televising of the MLB Little League Classic presented by New York Life. This year's game features the Atlanta Braves playing the Milwaukee Brewers on Sunday, August 23 at 7:00 PM ET.
The 2026 MLB on ESPN regular season schedule is attached below:
- MLB on ESPN — 2026 MLB Regular Season Broadcast Schedule (All Times ET and Subject to Change)
| 🞷 Wednesday, April 15 — Jackie Robinson Jr. Day
. Mets at Dodgers - ESPN, 10:00 PM (ET) - Joe Buck, others TBD
| 🞷 Monday, May 25 — Memorial Day
. Yankees at Royals - ESPN, 3:30 PM (ET) -
| 🞺 Sunday, June 14
. Cubs at Giants - ABC, 3:00 PM (ET) -
| 🞺 Saturday, June 27
. Yankees at Red Sox - ABC, 1:00 PM (ET) -
| 🞷 Thursday, July 16 - Second-Half Opener
. Mets at Phillies - ESPN, 7:00 PM (ET) -
| 🞺 Sunday, August 16
. Cardinals at Cubs - ABC, 3:00 PM (ET) -
| 🞷 Sunday, August 23 — MLB Little League Classic
. Braves vs. Brewers (Williamsport, PA) - ESPN, 7:00 PM (ET) -
- 🗒 Note: This year's MLB on ESPN/ABC schedule is subject to change without notice. Announcer assignments will be disclosed and updated throughout the year. Additionally, if this schedule is altered in any significant way, that will be communicated in a timely manner.
‖ 🛈 Sources: ESPN Press Room (ESPN), ESPN Press Room (ABC) ‖
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