NBC Sports is bolstering its return to Major League Baseball broadcasting by securing Joey Votto, Clayton Kershaw and Anthony Rizzo for its 2026 lineup. The network, absent from MLB coverage for 26 years, signed a three-year, $600 million deal last fall to air Sunday Night Baseball and other key games. These former stars bring extensive accolades and media appeal to the studio team.
NBC's re-entry into MLB broadcasting gains momentum with the addition of three prominent retired players: Joey Votto, Clayton Kershaw and Anthony Rizzo. According to reports from Front Office Sports, the network is finalizing agreements to integrate them into its coverage starting in 2026, marking a sweep of the top television free agents in baseball.
Votto, who spent 17 seasons with the Cincinnati Reds and won the 2010 National League MVP award, has been a prime target for broadcasters like NBC, Netflix and ESPN. Described as a natural on camera, one sports TV producer noted, “Joey Votto is, in my opinion, a no-brainer. He’s an MVP. He has a national name. He’s a natural in front of the camera.” Another source added, “If NBC wants to make a splash with Sunday Night Baseball, Joey would be perfect.” Votto last played in 2023 and retired in August 2024.
Kershaw, a 37-year-old legend from the Los Angeles Dodgers, retired after 18 seasons, securing three World Series titles (2020, 2024, 2025), a 2014 NL MVP and three Cy Young Awards (2011, 2013, 2014). He plans a limited broadcasting schedule while preparing to pitch in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
Rizzo, 36, retired in September 2024 after 14 years split between the San Diego Padres, Chicago Cubs and New York Yankees. A three-time All-Star and four-time Gold Glove winner, he helped the Cubs end their 108-year World Series drought in 2016. Sources praised his media savvy: “Rizz played the New York media better than anybody—and that’s not easy. He always had a smile on his face.”
Collectively, the trio boasts 49 MLB seasons, 20 All-Star selections, six Gold Gloves, three Cy Youngs, two MVPs, two Roberto Clemente Awards and four World Series rings. NBC's deal includes Sunday Night Baseball from ESPN, exclusive wild-card rights and additional packages like Sunday Leadoff, with many games streaming on Peacock. This move aligns with NBC's expanded sports investments, including NFL and NBA rights.
