sports
Netflix Home Run Derby Draws 5.3 Million Viewers
The annual event's first broadcast on Netflix recorded its lowest audience since 2003. Viewership fell from 5.7 million on ESPN last year.
Jul 16, 5:42 PM·1m read1 source
bleedingcool.comAudio version
Tap play to generate a narrated version.
Developing·Limited corroboration so far. This page will refresh as more sources emerge.
The 2026 Home Run Derby drew 5.3 million viewers on its Netflix debut, the lowest total since 2003, according to Sports Business Journal. Last year's event on ESPN attracted 5.7 million viewers. The 2026 broadcast introduced a new format that replaced timed rounds with a swing-total system.
Some viewers criticized the presentation and the inclusion of commentator Will Ferrell. One fan described the show as "one of the worst home run derby broadcasts I have ever watched." Sports Business Journal reported that Netflix performed well with younger viewers but lost older viewers compared with prior ESPN broadcasts.
Netflix holds a three-year, $50 million contract to stream the event. The agreement covers at least two additional years. Next year's All-Star Game and Home Run Derby are scheduled for Wrigley Field in Chicago.
Transparency
How sources framed this
Single source — no framing comparison available.
CorroborationLimited · 1 source
