The NBC and Major League Baseball (MLB) have struck a deal allowing the NBC to stream 18 live games per year.
In a deal worth US$30 million (AUD$40.1 million) a year, the NBC’s streaming platform, Peacock, will become the exclusive broadcaster of the MLB’s Sunday morning games.
The deal with begin on 8 May with the Chicago White Sox and the Boston Red Sox playing at 11:30am ET, however after the initial six matches, the remaining 12 matches will start at noon ET.
The streaming platform will also become the exclusive home of the All-Star Futures Game, a showcase fixture for the top minor league prospects played during All-Star Week during July.
Peacock will have access to on-demand MLB content such as classic games, documentaries and highlight packages to be shown on a new dedicated hub within the platform.
Peacock’s executive vice president and chief commercial officer, Rick Cordella, said the NBC is looking forward to building upon its long-standing relationship with the MLB.
“Expanding Peacock’s premium live sports offering for customers remains a top priority and we are very excited to partner with MLB to bring a new, exclusive package of games to Peacock on Sunday mornings for baseball fans,” Cordella said.
MLB chief revenue officer, Noah Garden, said the agreement marks an exciting new chapter between MLB and NBC as the organisation looks to the future.
“As consumption habits continue to evolve, it is important for us to provide new ways for fans who are outside the cable bundle to watch MLB games,” Garden said.
The deal comes not long after Peacock also claimed the broadcast rights to the ‘Women’s Tour De France.’
