Apparently, when ESPN opted out, MLB was angry but not concerned. But new offers are much less than ESPN was paying. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6404363/2025/06/04/mlb-espn-deal-manfred-regret/?source=athletic_pulsenewsletter&campaign=13716964&userId=12198658

Quote:

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NBC made an initial offer that was not close to what ESPN was paying

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That means ESPN was right to opt out, because they realized they were paying way above market value for what they were getting. If ESPN offered to keep the package of games at half the price and MLB said no, then yeah, Manfred pulled a Kliavkoff.

NFL has the leverage to make broadcasters pay until it hurts and then some. MLB does not have leverage.