The worldwide leader might be looking to extract local baseball rights or better contract terms starting next month. Live MLB games have been a staple of ESPN programming for decades. “Sunday Night Baseball” has been a mainstay on the channel for 35 years.

Major League Baseball is warning that it could walk away from ESPN if the network opts out of their national TV deal next month. After four decades of partnership, a new deal with ESPN would be unlikely following an opt out,

ESPN has been broadcasting Major League Baseball games for nearly 40 years, but it may take a tense negotiation to keep the partnership alive beyond next season.

Major League Baseball's future coverage is currently looking uncertain with the league said to be exploring alternative options with ESPN's deal with them potentially set to end after this season