535. The Business of 2026 Major League Baseball

Major League Baseball is undergoing a broadcasting metamorphosis in 2026. 22 of 30 teams have in-market, blackout-free streaming subscriptions available, while 8 remain broadcasting with traditional regional sports networks (RSNs). RSNs such as Sportsnet LA, Sportsnet NY, YES Network, and NESN pay their respective clubs’ rights fees that dwarf the revenue from the 22 streaming teams. This revenue inequality will greatly impact competition on the baseball field, the only major American sport without a salary cap.

Two highly regarded former baseball executives join the show to give their perspective on the current media landscape. David Samson is a former President of the Miami Marlins and was executive vice president of the Montreal Expos. Jim Duquette is a former general manager of the Baltimore Orioles and New York Mets.

In this episode, both explain the current changes in club revenues. They discuss the 2-time World Champion Los Angeles Dodgers, who have the highest payroll, and the signings of free agents Kyle Tucker and Edwin Diaz in the off-season. They also comment on the upcoming labor negotiations as the sport faces the end of its current collective bargaining agreement.