The drop is notable because Netflix was presenting one of MLB’s marquee events on a streaming platform for the first time. The Derby’s viewership actually decreased compared to the previous year: in 2025, ESPN and ESPN2 combined drew around 5.7 million viewers, while Netflix’s debut broadcast reached about 5.3 million, a roughly 7% year-over-year decline.
Several factors likely contributed to the lower numbers. Netflix’s broad subscriber base is undeniable, but many sports fans still prefer watching major live events on traditional television. Some casual viewers may not have realized the Derby had moved to streaming, and others may simply favor ESPN’s familiar presentation after decades of coverage.
Viewership is only one metric, and Netflix could still view the partnership as a success if it attracted new subscribers or engaged younger audiences that traditional TV struggles to capture. The Home Run Derby remains a flagship event for baseball, and MLB will closely watch how fans respond to future broadcasts. This year’s competition featured a new swing-based format and delivered a dramatic finish, but those changes did not translate into higher television numbers.
With the 5.3 million viewer figure marking the lowest audience for the Derby since 2003, MLB and Netflix will reassess the streaming approach as they await next year’s ratings to determine whether this was a one-year adjustment or a signal that the streaming strategy needs refinement.
