Roku has acquired multiyear rights to broadcast the league’s Sunday Leadoff live games by securing an exclusive deal with Major League Baseball. NBCUniversal’s Peacock streaming service previously held this package.
Furthermore, Roku is set to offer free streaming of Sunday MLB games on the Roku Channel beginning May 19. The company will also unveil a dedicated MLB Zone to enhance baseball enthusiasts’ viewing experience. This zone will serve as a comprehensive hub for nightly recaps, accessing live and upcoming games, highlights, and a fully programmed MLB streaming TV channel supported by ads, all accessible across the Roku platform. Notably, the game telecasts will be jointly produced in collaboration with MLB.
Throughout the MLB season, Roku has announced its designation as the primary platform for Major League Baseball’s initial games on most Sundays. Notably, Roku will enjoy an exclusivity window during the broadcast airtime and subscribers to MLB.TV’s premium service will have the privilege of enjoying all 18 matchups without blackout restrictions, regardless of their location globally.
Noah Garden, MLB deputy commissioner, business and media, said, “With free games available to anyone, MLB games on Roku will be widely accessible to fans. Since Roku serves as an entertainment gateway for millions, this partnership offers a valuable new promotional and distribution platform for MLB games and content.”
Additionally, to stream the MLB Sunday Leadoff games Roku has secured global rights, extending beyond the United States to include Canada and Mexico. Notably, from May 19 to Sept. 15, 2024, MLB Sunday Leadoff games are set to stream weekly on the Roku Channel and therokuchannel.com.
Charlie Collier, president of Roku Media, said, “As television programming, live sports, and the leagues have fragmented across networks, apps, and multiple packages, Roku — home to all of them — plays an increasingly crucial role for viewers and advertisers. With this deal, Roku delivers free, live, weekly Sunday baseball and 24/7 baseball curation, destinations and channels across our platform. The lead-in to all of television is now the lead-off for Sunday baseball as well. It’s a terrific partnership.”
With an exciting matchup between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Boston Red Sox the MLB Sunday Leadoff series kicks off. Furthermore, to ensure tailored coverage for viewers, broadcasting teams for each game will adopt a market-focused approach. This Sunday’s game will feature analyst Will Middlebrooks and reporter Alexa Datt alongside Chip Caray providing play-by-play commentary.