Netflix’s first year of MLB coverage ended with a resounding low. The return of the MLB Field of Dreams game achieved the lowest average viewership in the three games of the Field of Dreams game series.
What We Know: MLB returned to the Field of Dreams site in Dyersville, Iowa, for the first time in four years. The Thursday night game averaged 1.66 million viewers on Netflix, according to Nielsen. Philadelphia beat Minnesota 7-1, powered by two Kyle Schwarber home runs. It closes Netflix’s first year carrying MLB events as part of the streaming platform’s rights agreement.
What The Numbers Show: (Viewership Figures Field Of Dreams Game History):
| Year | Teams | Network | Avg. Viewership |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Yankees vs. White Sox | FOX | 5.87 million |
| 2022 | Cubs vs. Reds | FOX | 3.10 million |
| 2026 | Phillies vs. Twins | Netflix | 1.66 million |
(NETFLIX AVERAGE VIEWERSHIP PER EVENT 2026)
| Event | Average Viewership |
|---|---|
| MLB Opening Night | 3.0 million |
| MLB Home Run Derby | 5.3 million |
| Field of Dreams Game | 1.66 million |
What Remains Unclear: Netflix has not officially released viewership data for certain demographics.
What It Means: Netflix’s had some positives and negatives. But it is just the first of a multi-year agreement with the streaming platform. Next season will bring an added contest and not the Field of Dreams game on Netflix. The platform will lean on the younger audiences it drew to the broadcasts as proof the formula worked for 2026. However, there is plenty to look ahead to and improve in year two.
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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.