This year's Home Run Derby, taking place at Citizens Bank Park, marks a significant shift for the event as it moves from ESPN to Netflix. This is the first time since 1994 that the derby will not be broadcast on ESPN. The competition will also revert to a swing-based format, departing from the timer-based system that has been in place since 2015. Participants will now receive a set number of swings in each round: 20 in the first round and 15 in the subsequent two rounds.
The lineup for the 2026 Home Run Derby includes prominent hitters such as Kyle Schwarber, Ben Rice, Junior Caminero, Jordan Walker, Bryce Harper, Willson Contreras, Munetaka Murakami, and Jac Caglianone.
The broadcast is scheduled to include an appearance from the cast of Netflix's upcoming comedy "The Hawk," starring Will Ferrell, and will feature iconic ring announcer Michael Buffer.
Netflix's pregame coverage will begin at 7:00 p.m. ET, with the Home Run Derby commencing at 8:00 p.m. ET. To watch the event, a Netflix subscription is required. The streaming service offers a standard monthly plan for $8.99, with ad-free options available at $19.99 (Standard plan) and $26.99 (Premium option). Netflix is not currently offering a free trial for new subscribers.