With a growing schedule of live sports productions, the streamer looks to build on previous success, set its offerings apart
When the New York Yankees and San Francisco Giants go head-to-head at Oracle Park tonight on a special MLB Opening Day, the matchup will be the first MLB game ever on Netflix. With a bevy of cinematic technologies and an increased presence of live sports on its schedule, the streamer adds another high-profile sports property to its ever-growing portfolio.
“Our latest foray into live sports marks an exciting partnership with Major League Baseball,” says Jonathan Mussman, VP, production, nonfiction and live, Netflix. “By establishing deep trust and high-performing cross-functional collaboration among Netflix colleagues, our teams have delivered high-impact results at a remarkable pace.”
Entertainment as Much as Sports: Netflix Stresses Cinematography
Stepping up to the plate as a new media-rights holder, Netflix emphasizes cinematography and elements of entertainment. Known for stellar postproduced content that captivates viewers, it aims to bring that quality to professional baseball. Not only is this the standard that the streamer sets for its productions, but it’s also the defining factor that will help them stand out from other networks’ sports offerings.
“We strive for a jewel-level production at every event,” says Mussman. “MLB has consistently said this production is more in line with the World Series than with Opening Day. That is what makes Netflix production different: a consistent, high-quality, must-see production for every event.”
Tonight’s interleague season opener will deploy about 30 cameras, but, to increase the entertainment value, the complement will be an eclectic mix of specialty cameras. Production staples — four Dirt Cams, two shallow–depth-of-field Megalodons, three AR-enabled cameras, a Phantom camera at 900 fps, an Ump Cam, and an aerial drone with optical AR tracking — will be joined by, for example, a camera mounted to a kayak floating in McCovey Cove behind the stadium’s right-field wall.
To produce Netflix’s first MLB game, the crew made some adjustments. With only one chance at the broadcast debut, the goal was to make a big impression with a larger production footprint. This involved a broadcast compound housing NEP Supershooter 9 and ST9 for game production and NEP M-15 A unit for studio production, as well as the capabilities to handle remote workflows. The remote capabilities include Bolt6 telemetry data from MLB Network’s facility in Secaucus, NJ, and international commentary provided from South Florida.
“One of the biggest challenges was trying to go big with the production while working within the constraints of a baseball stadium,” Mussman explains. “There were some challenges in accommodating this ambitious production at the storied Oracle Park.”
Dingers to Dyersville: T-Mobile Home Run Derby, MLB at Field of Dreams
Beyond Opening Day, Netflix will be busy with other MLB initiatives throughout the 2026 regular season. On the schedule are two massive events in the summer: the 2026 T-Mobile Home Run Derby at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia on Monday, July 13 and the Philadelphia Phillies–Minnesota Twins matchup in the 2026 MLB at Field of Dreams game in Dyersville, IA, on Thursday, Aug. 13. The Home Run Derby will feature a non-traditional format; Field of Dreams, additional chances for storytelling.
“Every broadcast is an opportunity for our teams to evolve our execution and elevate the quality of our coverage,” says Mussman. “This series of games will be no different, especially given the more entertainment-focused nature of Home Run Derby and Field of Dreams.”
As with the special Opening Day game, the streamer will rely on the support of three key production partners: MLB Network, EverWonder Studio, and graphics supplier Girraphic. The MLB contingent includes the front bench of director John Moore and producer Mike Treanor for the game; director Tom Healy and producer Chris Collins on the pre/postgame studio show; and overall support from MLB SVP, Broadcast, Ryan Zander; Senior Director, Technical Production and Special Projects, Jason Hedgcock; and MLB Network Director, Remote Tech Operations, Steve Dolce. The EverWonder Studio team includes SVP, Live Sports, Brian Turner and Head of Production, Live and Specials, Jennifer Kern.
“It will be great to continue building our relationship with EverWonder and MLB, who will be consistent partners throughout these events,” adds Mussman. “Having that relationship and shorthand in place will help unlock experimentation and enhancements for the Home Run Derby and Field of Dreams broadcasts.”
From MLB Network’s perspective, Opening Night at Oracle Park will be an unforgettable night.
“It’s a huge undertaking that we’re all excited about,” says Marc Caiafa, SVP, production, MLB Network. “Netflix trusts us to work with this collection of high-level talent both pre-game and postgame, relying on our expertise to give the best possible presentation of baseball we can give. Once you sprinkle in some of the entertainment flare that only Netflix can deliver, we’re in store for a special night.”
Expansion of Properties: Live-Production Team Grows
Netflix’s entrance on the live-sports-production scene has been extremely impressive. From a partnership with the NFL and WWE to the recruitment of high-level production experts from around the business, the streamer is poised for continued growth. On its live-sports-production team, Mussman is joined by VP, Content, Gabe Spitzer; Director, Live Specials, Vicki Preto; Manager, Production Management, Live Sports, Danny López; Technical Manager, Live Production, Nathan Morgan; Sports Content Director Kate Jackson; and Live Sports Content Managers Lindsey Mandia and Claire Jones. With a reliable team behind the scenes, a clear vision and production philosophy in place, and multiple games to showcase their talent to a new viewing audience, Netflix is prepared to have an impact.
“Following the success of our WBC launch in Japan,” says Mussman, “this represents our first global baseball offering for subscribers worldwide. In true Netflix fashion, we have quickly iterated on the fan experience, leveraging a fantastic partnership with MLB to redefine what baseball coverage looks like on our service.”
