Netflix MLB broadcast misses first ABS challenge in MLB history due to awkward manager interview
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Netflix MLB broadcast misses first ABS challenge in MLB history due to awkward manager interview originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . Netflix has attempted to increase interest in live sports on its platform in recent years.
It started with football and boxing, but as of Wednesday, March 25 the platform added baseball to its lineup. Netflix bought the rights to the first MLB broadcast of the 2026 season between the New York Yankees and the San Francisco Giants and the platform assembled a strong pre-game show and announcer team, but struggled with one of the most basic aspects of the broadcast. The 2026 season will be a historic one for MLB because it is the first year with an automated pitch challenge system in place.
The process had been tested in the minor leagues and spring training, but Opening Night was the first time that teams could challenge pitch calls. The first-ever challenge came in the top of the fourth inning. And the Netflix broadcast missed it.
SN's MLB HQ: Live MLB scores | Updated MLB standings | Full MLB schedule Netflix broadcasts first MLB ABS challenge Netflix might still be in Spring Training mode. The platform's first baseball broadcast proved they have much to learn about how to make the sport look good on TV. The first official ABS challenge came in the top of the fourth inning.