Dan Patrick isn’t fully sold on Netflix’s baseball rollout. The longtime host says the streamer continues to over produce the broadcasts with Major League Baseball following Monday’s Home Run Derby broadcast.
What We Know: Netflix exclusively streamed the Home Run Derby Monday night from Philadelphia. The broadcast falls under Netflix’s three-year media rights deal with MLB, signed in November 2025. That agreement runs through the 2028 season and also includes Opening Night and the Field of Dreams Game. Meanwhile, Patrick addressed the production of the broadcast from last night on Tuesday’s Dan Patrick Show.
What They Said: (All quotes from The Dan Patrick Show)
Dan Patrick says Netflix needs to do a better job of marketing it’s MLB events: “Home Run Derby was fun last night. First of all, I couldn’t find it… They got to do a little better publicity. Bonds and Pujols were there. I didn’t see any of this, and I’d like to think that I’m at least socially aware of sporting events. But I had no idea. And then all of a sudden, it’s like Netflix.”
Dan Patrick says Netflix may be trying too hard with MLB: “Netflix is trying different things. Now, sometimes you can try too hard. Sometimes you can try to dress something up, and you really don’t need to.”
Dan Patrick doesn’t mind Netflix trying new things with the home run derby: “I’m all for trying. I love Will Ferrell, but I didn’t need Will Ferrell on the broadcast last night. Okay. I think that they tried too hard in what they were trying to do there. But still, you’re trying to do new things. Sometimes it’s just good the way it is.”
What Remains Unclear: It’s unclear whether Netflix plans to scale back entertainment elements for future broadcasts. The company hasn’t publicly responded to Patrick’s comments. Additionally, no word yet exists on adjustments for the upcoming Field of Dreams Game.
What It Means: For Netflix, Patrick’s critique highlights their first entry into live sports coverage. Ultimately, entertainment flourishes shouldn’t overshadow the game itself. While the Home Run Derby was hailed as a better job by Netflix by many, Patrick still sees holes in the formula. Viewership remains to be seen for Monday’s broadcast. Moreover, as Netflix expands its MLB footprint through 2028, viewer feedback like this could shape future broadcasts. Therefore, striking a balance may prove essential.
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John Mamola is Barrett Media’s sports editor and daily sports columnist. He brings over two decades of experience (Chicago, Tampa/St Petersburg) in the broadcast industry with expertise in brand management, sales, promotions, producing, imaging, hosting, talent coaching, talent development, web development, social media strategy and design, video production, creative writing, partnership building, communication/networking with a long track record of growth and success. He is a five-time recognized top 20 program director in a major market via Barrett Medi’s Top 20 series and has been honored internally multiple times as station/brand of the year (Tampa, FL) and employee of the month (Tampa, FL) by iHeartMedia. Connect with John by email at John@BarrettMedia.com.