Over the past couple of years, Netflix has begun expanding its streaming portfolio by adding major sporting events to their repertoire. It has been largely successful, especially with the NFL and some boxing cards, but it hasn’t been without its faults.
The Netflix platform had a meltdown during the Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul event in 2024, although it got sorted out for Paul’s subsequent bout against Anthony Joshua. Following that success and the smooth-sailing with football, Netflix decided to take on MLB next. Baseball fans weren’t thrilled, though, even from the get-go.
Netflix has gone overboard with MLB Opening Night shenanigans for baseball fans
Putting the opening game of the 2026 MLB season behind a subscription wall hasn’t sat well with fans who don’t pay for the service. Plenty of New York Yankees and San Francisco Giants fans will have to pay up to watch their favorite team on Opening Night. But that’s not the only issue baseball fans have with Netflix at the moment.
The streaming service company is attempting to “Netflix-ify” the baseball game, taking away from the “sanctity of the game“. First, it was the odd inclusion of NFL quarterback Jameis Winston to the broadcast, followed by comedian Bert Kreischer, who has an astounding amount of haters. Netflix then added WWE stars Jimmy and Jey Uso to the broadcast lineup.
The final nail in the coffin for fans came on Tuesday, as it was announced that “Thing” from the show “Wednesday” will be helping out with the ceremonial first pitch at Oracle Park.
Netflix was always going to give its spin on baseball for the game, and the marketing department has clearly cranked things up for it. But baseball purists don’t like any of it. It’s unlikely MLB cares, though, considering how much money Netflix is paying them to stream the game.
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