✦ Edited and fact-checked by Eric Chiu, our Tech Editor with over 10 years covering sports and home entertainment.
The 2026 season marks a massive shift in the MLB media landscape as NBC officially reclaims its seat at the baseball table. After a hiatus from regular-season broadcasting, a new three-year deal makes Peacock a primary destination for national MLB games.
From the return of iconic branding to exclusive all-day streaming events, Peacock’s spreading its feathers across the baseball diamond. Whether you’re a casual viewer or a die-hard stat-head, you’ll need this bird in your dugout to see the full MLB picture this year.
The return of NBC Sports to the diamond
In a historic move, “Sunday Night Baseball” has relocated from ESPN to NBC and Peacock for the first time in 36 years. This alignment brings Major League Baseball under the same “Sunday Night” umbrella as the NFL and NBA, creating a powerhouse primetime destination.
Peacock is now a must-have for baseball fans, especially as it integrates with the newly relaunched NBC Sports regional networks. The 2026 season kicks off on Opening Day (March 26) with the World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers facing the Arizona Diamondbacks, which’ll be exclusive to NBC and Peacock.
Exclusive “Leadoff” and “Star-Spangled” events
Peacock remains the exclusive home of MLB Sunday Leadoff, featuring 18 early-morning and afternoon games that aren’t available anywhere else. These games have moved back to Peacock after a two-year stint on Roku, and they now require a paid subscription to access.
The biggest event on the calendar is the Star-Spangled Sunday mega-event on July 5, 2026. On this day, Peacock and NBC will exclusively stream all 15 MLB games, creating a massive streaming event for MLB fans on vacation across the country.
New features, subscription details for MLB on Peacock
Unlike previous years, MLB games on Peacock are no longer free; viewers must have a Peacock Premium or Premium Plus subscription to watch. To add more value, the service has introduced a Game of the Day feature, which streams one out-of-market game daily for all subscribers.
For those who love whip-around coverage, Peacock is launching a live Sunday afternoon show similar to NFL RedZone. This show provides live look-ins and highlights immediately following the Sunday Leadoff games, ensuring you don’t miss a single home run or clutch strikeout.
Navigating the “too many streaming subscriptions” era
The prevailing sentiment among fans is a mix of excitement over high-quality production and exhaustion over constant subscription churning. To see a full national slate in 2026, fans effectively need a streaming multi-pack of Peacock, Apple TV+, Netflix, and a live TV streamer that includes MLB partners like FOX and TBS.
While the fragmentation can be frustrating, the quality of coverage is hitting new heights. With the chance to catch legendary voices like Matt Vasgersian and Howie Rose along with exclusive holiday events like the Labor Day primetime game, Peacock is positioning itself as the premier home for baseball’s biggest moments.
MLB on Peacock FAQ
Is MLB Sunday Leadoff free on Peacock?
No, for the 2026 season, MLB Sunday Leadoff games require a paid Peacock Premium or Premium Plus subscription. These games are no longer available for free as they were during their previous stint on The Roku Channel.
Can I watch the MLB Wild Card Round on Peacock?
Yes, the new broadcast deal gives NBCUniversal rights to the entire MLB Wild Card Round. You can stream these post-season matchups live on Peacock or watch them on the relaunched NBCSN linear network.
What is the "Star-Spangled Sunday" event?
On July 5, 2026, Peacock and NBC will host an exclusive "Roadblock" event featuring all 15 MLB games scheduled for that day. No other national or local networks will air games during this window, making Peacock the sole destination for baseball that Sunday.
Does Peacock have a RedZone for baseball?
Yes, Peacock is launching a new Sunday afternoon show that provides live look-ins and highlights from around the league. It is designed to start immediately after the Sunday Leadoff game ends, keeping fans engaged with live MLB action.
How many Sunday Night Baseball games are on Peacock?
Peacock and NBC will host 25 primetime Sunday Night Baseball games throughout the 2026 season. This move consolidates Sunday night sports, as NBC now holds the rights to NFL, NBA, and MLB games in that specific primetime slot.
