MLB drops plan for London games in 2026 — and says its nearing TV deals with NBC, ESPN, Netflix

Key Takeaways:

• MLB canceled its planned London games for 2026.
• Scheduling complications were cited as the key reason.
• The league is close to finalizing broadcast deals with NBC, ESPN, and Netflix.
• This story was originally reported by the Chicago Tribune on September 16, 2025.
• Further specifics regarding MLB’s past or future international events remain limited.

MLB Pulls Out of London

Major League Baseball has abandoned plans to play two games in London in 2026. The scheduled series was intended to expand the league’s international footprint, but scheduling issues ultimately led to the decision to scrap the event.

Scheduling Complications

Insiders have pointed to potential clashes in the league calendar as a primary reason for dropping the London plan. While officials have not released a formal breakdown of these conflicts, the announcement confirms the league’s intent to maintain a balanced schedule without the added complexity that overseas games can bring.

Impending Broadcast Deals

Despite withdrawing from the London series, MLB appears poised for significant domestic expansion through television. According to the original report, the league is nearing agreements with NBC, ESPN, and Netflix, though details about these potential partnerships remain undisclosed. The deals could widen MLB’s audience reach and financial base.

Looking Ahead

Although MLB has canceled its London appearance, the league’s interest in international venues and new broadcast channels indicates a willingness to explore diverse opportunities. As more information about the broadcast partnerships becomes publicly available, fans and industry observers will be watching closely to see how MLB balances global events with ongoing scheduling demands.