ESPN Grabs Exclusive Television Rights to Seven of Eight MLB First Round Series

In conjunction with Major League Baseball, ESPN will exclusively televise seven of the eight new first round series as part of the expanded 2020 MLB Postseason. As a result of the new format, 14-21 first round games, including all four National League series, will air exclusively on ESPN platforms across a four-day period from Tuesday, Sept. 29, through Friday, Oct. 2. The announcement was made by the Commissioner of Baseball Robert D. Manfred, Jr. and ESPN President Jimmy Pitaro.

“This is an exciting opportunity for ESPN and Major League Baseball to deliver a new, compelling live sports experience to fans,” says Pitaro. “Innovation has been a cornerstone of our 30-plus year relationship with MLB, and that will be on display as we showcase these decisive games. We know fans have been craving live baseball and we’re proud to work with our friends at MLB to offer what will be a special four days this fall.”

ESPN will also have the exclusive rights to 2020 first round MLB games on national radio and Spanish-language domestic television as well as rights on International television.