Sports Media Report
The American Association of Professional Baseball (AAPB) today officially announced that its 2026 All-Star Game will be carried live on MLB Network for the first time on Wednesday, July 15th. The game will be held at Haymarket Park, the home of the Lincoln Saltdogs in Lincoln, Nebraska, at 830 PM EDT, marking the first time MLB Network has aired an All-Star Game of a Major League Baseball Partner League.
‘It is a pleasure to be able to have MLB Network come on board to carry our All-Star Game, presented by Carbliss, from one of the most highly rated stadiums in America in Haymarket Park as we showcase the best in affiliated baseball to an even larger audience,” said Joshua Schaub, Commissioner of the American Association of Professional Baseball. “Our focus has been to continue to refine the quality of our storytelling on all platforms and this new agreement, the first of its kind, is a testament to the value we continue to create. Our athletes and coaches deserve this opportunity, and we are proud to be able to bring it to fruition through an ever-growing network of broadcast partners. Thanks to the entire team at MLB Network for helping us continue to expand our window.”
“We’re excited to elevate the profile of the AAPB and carry its All-Star Game live for the first time,” said Marc Caiafa, MLB Network’s SVP of Production. “We’re always looking for new content opportunities immediately following MLB’s Midsummer Classic, so this is a perfect collaboration and time on the calendar. It’ll be a fun night featuring the AAPB’s best.”
The addition of MLB Network for the All-Star Game follows a record number of broadcast partnerships that launched at the start of the 2026 season. They include: NBC Regional Sports Networks, Marquee Sports Network, NESN, Sportsnet Pittsburgh, Silver State Sports Network and the Unbeaten Sports App. As well as RYZ, Bally’s Corporation, NLSE, FTF Sports (For the Fans), and SLVR Sports and Entertainment. The expanded distribution is projected to drive viewership growth from 10 million in 2025 to over 30 million in 2026. The 2026 distribution slate also represents the largest footprint for distribution in league history.
