MLB Home Run Derby Draws 5.3 Million Viewers on Netflix, Lowest Since 2003

The Major League Baseball (MLB) All-Star Home Run Derby, broadcast live by the U.S. streaming service Netflix, recorded its lowest viewership since 2003.
According to a report by USA Today on the 17th (KST), citing Sports Business Journal, the MLB All-Star Home Run Derby held three days ago at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, drew 5.3 million viewers. This marks the lowest viewership in 23 years, following the 5.2 million viewers recorded during ESPN's broadcast in 2003.
In November of last year, Netflix signed a contract to pay the MLB office $50 million (approximately 74.1 billion KRW) for exclusive broadcasting rights for three years starting in 2026, covering events such as the All-Star Home Run Derby, regular season openers, and the Field of Dreams game.
However, the platform failed to attract a large audience for both the regular season opener between the San Francisco Giants and the New York Yankees (3 million viewers) and the All-Star Home Run Derby.
Sports Business Journal commented that while Netflix succeeded in attracting younger viewers, it could not prevent the decline of older fans, who make up the traditional viewership base.
USA Today suggested that the issue was not the broadcasting platform, but rather that the changed format of the Home Run Derby did not resonate well with fans.
This year's Home Run Derby format was changed from a time-based limit to a swing-count limit.
The eight participating players were limited to 20 swings in the first round and 15 swings each in the semifinals and finals.
Batters who hit a home run on their final swing were given continued hitting opportunities until they made an out.
(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.