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David Cone's Future with ESPN Uncertain Amid New MLB Deal
4 Dec
Summary
- ESPN's new MLB deal shifts Sunday Night Baseball to midweek.
- The schedule change may conflict with David Cone's YES Network duties.
- Cone's ESPN contract is set to expire around March 2026.
A significant shift in Major League Baseball broadcasting is poised to impact top analyst David Cone. ESPN recently finalized a new three-year, $550 million deal with MLB, but this renewed partnership comes with a crucial change: the "Sunday Night Baseball" broadcast will move to a midweek slot starting next season. This adjustment, while seemingly minor, could create a scheduling conflict for Cone, a highly respected five-time World Series champion.
Cone's current contract with ESPN is reportedly set to expire around March 2026, coinciding with the start of the MLB season. His existing commitments include calling games for the YES Network, which is affiliated with the New York Yankees. The YES Network has already expressed its desire to retain Cone, with a producer noting his "phenomenal" contributions and plans to have him call even more games in 2026.
Should Cone and ESPN be unable to reconcile the scheduling differences, other media entities are reportedly prepared to step in. NBC, which has secured the rights to "Sunday Night Baseball" and playoff games through a separate $600 million deal, and Netflix, which has acquired rights to the Home Run Derby and other games, could become potential landing spots for the acclaimed announcer.
