Get ready, baseball fans! The way you watch the Yankees and Mets is about to change dramatically in 2026. Major League Baseball is embracing streaming like never before, and this Opening Day promises to be a landmark moment.
This shift highlights a significant trend: the evolution of how we consume sports. Traditional TV is still in the game, but streaming services are taking a bigger swing.
Here's the breakdown:
Mets vs. Pirates on NBC & Peacock: The Mets will kick off the season on Thursday, March 26th, in a nationally televised afternoon game. The first pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m., featuring a showdown between reigning NL Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes and a Mets lineup led by Juan Soto. This game marks MLB's return to NBC after a long hiatus. NBCUniversal's package includes 27 primetime games and 34 afternoon games during the regular season, plus exclusive coverage of the entire Wild Card round. They're also launching "MLB Sunday Leadoff," an 18-game afternoon series starting May 3rd, followed by a weekly show on Peacock and NBCSN.
Yankees vs. Giants Exclusively on Netflix: The Yankees will take center stage one night earlier, on Wednesday, March 25th, in an exclusive broadcast on Netflix. This is part of a new three-year deal. The game will feature Aaron Judge against Rafael Devers. This marks the first time a regular-season MLB game will be carried live on Netflix.
Dodgers vs. Diamondbacks on NBC & Peacock: Later on March 26th, NBC and Peacock will also air a primetime matchup with the defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers hosting the Arizona Diamondbacks at 8 p.m.
The Implications:
For MLB, this move is all about reaching more fans. The league is aggressively expanding into streaming while maintaining a presence on traditional TV. Netflix's deal also includes the T-Mobile Home Run Derby, one additional special event game each season, and the revival of the Field of Dreams game in August 2026. MLB Network will partner with Netflix on production.
But here's where it gets controversial... This shift to streaming raises questions about accessibility. Will all fans be able to easily watch their favorite teams?
What do you think? Are you excited about these new ways to watch baseball, or do you prefer the traditional TV experience? Share your thoughts in the comments!
This content was updated on January 13, 2026, at 2:42 p.m. and published on January 13, 2026, at 2:30 p.m.
