The Home Run Derby has a new home tonight, and it’s one of the biggest streaming sports events of the summer.
For the first time ever, the T-Mobile Home Run Derby won’t air on ESPN. Instead, Netflix has landed exclusive rights to one of Major League Baseball’s biggest annual events, giving subscribers another marquee live sports event after adding WWE Raw, expanding its NFL package, and other live programming.
MLB Home Run Derby coverage begins at 7 p.m. ET, with the first pitch scheduled for 8 p.m. ET. If you’re planning to watch, you’ll want to tune in early. Netflix is promising an expanded pregame show before the first hitter steps into the batter’s box.
How to watch Home Run Derby 2026
- Event: 2026 T-Mobile Home Run Derby
- Date: Monday, July 13
- Pregame Coverage: 7:00 p.m. ET
- Home Run Derby: 8:00 p.m. ET
- Streaming: Netflix
With exclusive rights, Netflix is the only place U.S. viewers can watch tonight’s Home Run Derby live.
Netflix’s first Home Run Derby comes with a brand-new format
Tonight’s event isn’t just streaming on a new platform; MLB has also overhauled the Derby itself. Gone is the familiar countdown clock that has defined the event for the past decade. Instead, every swing matters.
In Round 1, each slugger gets 20 swings to hit as many home runs as possible. The top four advance to the semifinals, where they’ll receive 15 swings, followed by another 15 swings in the championship round. MLB has also eliminated bonus time and timeouts. Home run totals reset after each round, and if a player crushes the special T-Mobile Magenta Ball on the final swing, they’ll keep hitting until recording an out. If two players are tied, the winner will be decided in a swing-off.
The goal for the Netflix debut is to keep the action moving while putting more pressure and stakes on every swing.
Who’s in the 2026 Home Run Derby?
This year’s Derby features a mix of established stars and baseball’s next generation of power hitters. The eight sluggers participating in tonight’s showcase are:
- Bryce Harper
- Kyle Schwarber
- Junior Caminero
- Jac Caglianone
- Ben Rice
- Jordan Walker
- Munetaka Murakami
- Willson Contreras
Philadelphia fans will have plenty to cheer for, with both Harper and Schwarber competing in front of the home crowd at Citizens Bank Park. Harper is looking for another Derby title, while Schwarber enters among baseball’s home run leaders and is considered one of the favorites to win it all. MLB’s own power rankings also place Schwarber and Harper among the biggest threats, while rookie Jac Caglianone has quickly become one of the most intriguing long-ball hitters in the field.
Who are the Home Run Derby pitchers?
In the Home Run Derby, the pitcher can be just as important as the batter. Several participants are bringing familiar faces to the mound, including longtime coaches, family members, and trusted trainers they’ve worked with for years. The full list hasn’t been confirmed as of yet, but Rice’s dad will be throwing to him. The hitter’s relationship with the pitcher often makes the difference between getting into a rhythm and falling behind early.
Everything to Know About the Home Run Derby on Netflix
Netflix isn’t treating tonight like a standard baseball telecast. The streaming giant has assembled a star-studded broadcast team featuring Barry Bonds, CC Sabathia, Anthony Rizzo and Hunter Pence alongside play-by-play announcer Matt Vasgersian, host Elle Duncan and reporter Lauren Shehadi.
With a loaded lineup of talent and some of the sport’s biggest names, Netflix is rolling out one of its deepest baseball productions yet as it continues its eventize strategy. All fans need is an active Netflix subscription to watch all of the action as it unfolds in the City of Brotherly Love. Starting at $8.99/mo., you get access to the 2026 Home Run Derby, thousands of movies, shows, live content, and much more on Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Google TV, and other compatible devices.